Filter cartridges; air cleaner assemblies; housings; features; components; and methods

ABSTRACT

According to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies, components, features, and methods relating thereto, are described. These features, in part, relate to configuration of a preferred seal arrangement and seal surface of the cartridge. Particular arrangements are shown, in which: the filter cartridge includes a seal arrangement having a axial pinch seal surface with a projection/recess contour including at least one projection thereon; and, the cartridge includes a seal contour projection stabilizing portion at a location in perimeter alignment with the portion of the seal pinch arrangement including the first housing engagement projection. Additional features are included that relate to clean air separator section tubes of a precleaner arrangement secured to a cartridge. These features can be used in cartridges including features outlined above, or in alternative cartridges. Additional features of air cleaner arrangements and filter cartridges in accord with the above are described.

This application is a national stage of PCT International Patentapplication No. PCT/US2018/048907, filed Aug. 30, 2018, which claims thebenefit of priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No.62/552,836, filed Aug. 31, 2017, and U.S. Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/685,394, filed Jun. 15, 2018 which applications areincorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED FILING(S)

The present application includes the disclosure of, with edits, U.S.Provisional Application 62/552,836, filed Aug. 31, 2017. The completedisclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 62/552,836 is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to filter arrangements, typically for usein filtering air; such as intake air for internal combustion engines.The disclosure particularly relates to filter arrangements that involvecartridges having opposite flow ends. Air cleaner arrangements,components, and features; and, methods of assembly and use, aredescribed.

BACKGROUND

Air streams can carry contaminant material such as dust and liquidparticulate therein. In many instances, it is desired to filter some orall of the contaminant material from the air stream. For example, airflow streams to engines (for example combustion air streams) formotorized vehicles or for power generation equipment, gas streams to gasturbine systems and air streams to various combustion furnaces, carryparticulate contaminant therein that should be filtered. It ispreferred, for such systems, that selected contaminant material beremoved from (or have its level reduced in) the air.

A variety of air filter arrangements have been developed for suchcontaminant removal. They typically include a serviceable (i.e.removable and replaceable) main filter cartridge. It is desirable thatthe main filter cartridge: be easy to service, be of a configurationthat is readily and appropriately sealed within an air cleaner assemblyin which it is used; and, preferably, be configured, in combination withthe air cleaner assembly, such that an inappropriate or unapprovedcartridge cannot be readily installed or appear to be installed.Approaches toward this have been developed; see, for example, WO2014/210541 and WO 2016/105560, incorporated herein by reference.Improvements are sought.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies, components,features, and methods relating thereto, are described. Among thefeatures described are air filter cartridges usable as serviceablefilter cartridges in air cleaner assemblies such as, for example, tofilter intake air and internal combustion engines.

Features are included which relate to ensuring that the cartridge is anappropriate one for the air cleaner of concern, when used. In certainapplications of techniques herein, these features, in part, relate toconfiguration of a seal arrangement and seal surface of the cartridge.Particular arrangements are shown, in which the filter cartridgeincludes a seal arrangement having a axial pinch seal surface with aprojection/recess contour including at least one projection memberthereon.

In some applications of the techniques described, selected features ofthe present disclosure relate to providing the arrangement with a sealcontour projection stabilizing portion at a location to inhibitundesirable seal deformation (typically in perimeter alignment with theportion of the seal pinch arrangement including the first housingengagement projection). Example selected features to facilitate this areprovided.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, modified cartridgefeatures are disclosed that comprise providing an inlet cap on a filtercartridge, which cap includes a separator tube component as a portion ofa precleaner arrangement. Such features can be used to advantage withthe features characterized above, but can be used independently.

Additional features of air cleaner arrangements and filter cartridges inaccord with the above are described. Preferred features and variationsare included.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, schematic, perspective view of a first examplemedia type useable in arrangements according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe media type depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 includes schematic views of examples of various fluted mediadefinitions, for media of the type of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an example process for manufacturing mediaof the type of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optional end dart formedia flutes of the type of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a coiled filter arrangementusable in a filter cartridge having features in accord with the presentdisclosure, and made with a strip of media for example in accord withFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a stacked media packarrangement usable in a filter arrangement having selected features inaccord with the present disclosure and made from a strip of media forexample in accord with FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow end view of a filter media pack using analternate media to the media of FIG. 1, and alternately usable inselected filter cartridges in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a schematic opposite flow end view to the view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the media pack of FIGS. 8and 8A.

FIG. 9 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a furtheralternate media type usable in a media pack of a filter cartridge havingfeatures in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic, fragmentary cross-sectional view, of a firstvariation of the media type of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A is a schematic fragmentary depiction of another usable flutedsheet/facing sheet combination in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a fragmentary second schematic view of the type of media inFIG. 11A shown in a media pack.

FIG. 11C is a schematic, fragmentary, plan view of still another mediavariation usable in arrangements according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a schematic depiction of another usable fluted sheet/facingsheet combination in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a portion of the usable flutedsheet/facing sheet combination depicted in FIG. 64.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevational view of an air cleaner assemblyaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic inlet end perspective view of the air cleanerassembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded, schematic, inlet end perspective view of the aircleaner assembly of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, inlet end, elevational view of the air cleanerassembly of FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assemblytaken generally along line 17-17, FIG. 16.

FIG. 17A is an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 18 is a schematic, inlet end, perspective view of an optionalsafety filter cartridge of the assembly of FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 19 is a schematic, outlet end, perspective view of the safetyfilter cartridge of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic inlet end perspective view of a main filtercartridge usable in the assembly of FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 21 is a schematic side elevational view of a filter cartridge ofFIG. 20.

FIG. 21A is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary view of a portion ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 21B is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view takengenerally along line 21B-21B, FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a schematic narrow end elevational view of a filter cartridgeof FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a schematic outlet end perspective view of a filter cartridgeof FIG. 20.

FIG. 23A is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line23A-23A, FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a schematic, exploded, inlet end perspective view of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a schematic, exploded, outlet end view of the filtercartridge of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25A is an enlarged schematic fragmentary view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 is a second schematic side elevational view of the air cleanerassembly of FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective exploded, cross-sectional, view ofselected components of the air cleaner assembly of FIG. 26; theviewpoint being taken generally along line 27-27, FIG. 26.

FIG. 27A is an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 27.

FIG. 27B is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 27A, but depicting acartridge in a non-exploded (or installed) orientation.

FIG. 28 is a second schematic, exploded, cross-sectional view analogousto FIG. 27, but taken generally along line 28-28, FIG. 26.

FIG. 28A is an enlarged schematic fragmentary view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 28.

FIG. 28B is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view analogous to FIG.27A, but depicting a cartridge in a fully installed orientation.

FIG. 29 is an exploded schematic, perspective cross-sectional viewanalogous to FIG. 27, but taken along line 29-29, FIG. 26.

FIG. 29A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 29.

FIG. 29B is an enlarged fragmentary view analogous to FIG. 29A, exceptdepicting the cartridge fully installed, rather than in explodedorientation.

FIG. 30 is a schematic, exploded, perspective cross-sectional viewanalogous to FIG. 27, but taken along line 30-30, FIG. 26.

FIG. 30A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 30.

FIG. 30B is a view analogous to FIG. 30A, except depicting a cartridgein a fully installed orientation.

FIG. 31 is a schematic, exploded, perspective cross-sectional viewanalogous to FIG. 27, but taken generally along line 31-31, FIG. 26.

FIG. 31A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 31.

FIG. 31B is a view analogous to FIG. 31A, except depicting a cartridgein a fully installed (rather than exploded) orientation.

FIG. 32 is an inlet end, schematic perspective view of the air cleanerassembly of FIGS. 13-15, FIG. 32, depicting a portion of an access coverand precleaner in exploded view.

FIG. 32A is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary view of a portion ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 33 is an exploded, schematic, perspective view analogous to FIG.32, but taken from a perspective toward an outlet end of the housing.

FIG. 33A is an enlarged schematic view of an inside surface of an accesscover component depicted in FIG. 33.

FIG. 34 is a schematic inlet end elevational view of an air cleanerassembly in accord with FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of an alternate filter cartridgeincluding selected features in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter cartridgein accord with FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a schematic side elevational view depicting an air cleanerassembly that can including a filter cartridge in accord with FIGS.35-36.

FIG. 38 is a schematic inlet end perspective view of an alternate aircleaner assembly including selected features in accord with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 39 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the air cleanerassembly of FIG. 38.

FIG. 39A is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter cartridgecomponent of the assembly of FIG. 39.

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line40-40, FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a schematic perspective view of an alternate filter cartridgeusing selected principles in accord with the general features of FIGS.38-40, but in the context of an alternate shaped cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Example Media Configurations, Generally

Principles according to the present disclosure relate to interactionsbetween filter cartridges and air cleaner systems, in advantageousmanners to achieve certain, selected, desired results discussed below.The filter cartridge would generally include a filter media therein,through which air and other gases pass, during a filtering operation.The media can be of a variety of types and configurations, and can bemade from using a variety of materials. For example, pleated mediaarrangements can be used in cartridges according to the principles ofthe present disclosure, as discussed below.

The principles are particularly well adapted for use in situations inwhich the media is quite deep in extension between the inlet and outletends of the cartridge, but alternatives are possible. Also, theprinciples are often used in cartridges that relatively largecross-dimension sizes. With such arrangements, alternate media types topleated media will often be desired.

In this section, examples of some media arrangements that are usablewith the techniques described herein are provided. It will beunderstood, however, that a variety of alternate media types can beused. The choice of media type is generally one of preference for:availability; function in a given situation of application, ease ofmanufacturability, etc. and the choice is not necessarily specificallyrelated to the overall function of selected ones of various filtercartridge/air cleaner interaction features characterized herein.

A. Media Pack Arrangements Using Filter Media Having Media Ridges(Flutes) Secured to Facing Media

Fluted filter media (media having media ridges) can be used to providefluid filter constructions in a variety of manners. One well knownmanner is characterized herein as a z-filter construction. The term“z-filter construction” as used herein, is meant to include (but not belimited) a type of filter construction in which individual ones ofcorrugated, folded or otherwise formed filter flutes are used to define(typically in combination with facing media) sets of longitudinal,typically parallel, inlet and outlet filter flutes for fluid flowthrough the media. Some examples of z-filter media are provided in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,820,646; 5,772,883; 5,902,364; 5,792,247; 5,895,574;6,210,469; 6,190,432; 6,350,291; 6,179,890; 6,235,195; Des. 399,944;Des. 428,128; Des. 396,098; Des. 398,046; Des. 437,401; WO 2014/210541;WO 2016/105560; and, WO 2016/141097; each of these cited referencesbeing incorporated herein by reference.

One type of z-filter media, utilizes two specific media componentsjoined together, to form the media construction. The two components are:(1) a fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet or sheet section, and,(2) a facing media sheet or sheet section. The facing media sheet istypically non-corrugated, however it can be corrugated, for exampleperpendicularly to the flute direction as described in U.S. provisional60/543,804, filed Feb. 11, 2004, and published as PCT WO 05/077487 onAug. 25, 2005, incorporated herein by reference.

The fluted media section and facing media section can comprise separatematerials between one another. However, they can also be sections of thesingle media sheet folded to bring the facing media material intoappropriate juxtaposition with the fluted media portion of the media.

The fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet and the facing media sheetor sheet section together, are typically used to define media havingparallel flutes. In some instances, the fluted sheet and facing sheetare separate and then secured together and are then coiled, as a mediastrip, to form a z-filter media construction. Such arrangements aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,235,195 and 6,179,890, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain otherarrangements, some non-coiled sections or strips of fluted (typicallycorrugated) media secured to facing media, are stacked with one another,to create a filter construction. An example of this is described in FIG.11 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporated herein by reference.

Herein, strips of material comprising fluted sheet (sheet of media withridges) secured to corrugated sheet, which are then assembled intostacks to form media packs, are sometimes referred to as “single facerstrips,” “single faced strips,” or as “single facer” or “single faced”media. The terms and variants thereof, are meant to refer to a fact thatone face, i.e., a single face, of the fluted (typically corrugated)sheet is faced by the facing sheet, in each strip.

Typically, coiling of a strip of the fluted sheet/facing sheet (i.e.,single facer) combination around itself, to create a coiled media pack,is conducted with the facing sheet directed outwardly. Some techniquesfor coiling are described in U.S. provisional application 60/467,521,filed May 2, 2003 and PCT Application US 04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004,now published as WO 04/082795, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. The resulting coiled arrangement generally has, as the outersurface of the media pack, a portion of the facing sheet, as a result.

The term “corrugated” used herein to refer to structure in media, isoften used to refer to a flute structure resulting from passing themedia between two corrugation rollers, i.e., into a nip or bite betweentwo rollers, each of which has surface features appropriate to causecorrugations in the resulting media. The term “corrugation” is however,not meant to be limited to such flutes, unless it is stated that theyresult from flutes that are by techniques involving passage of mediainto a bite between corrugation rollers. The term “corrugated” is meantto apply even if the media is further modified or deformed aftercorrugation, for example by the folding techniques described in PCT WO04/007054, and published Jan. 22, 2004, incorporated herein byreference.

Corrugated media is a specific form of fluted media. Fluted media ismedia which has individual flutes or ridges (for example formed bycorrugating or folding) extending thereacross.

Serviceable filter element or filter cartridge configurations utilizingz-filter media are sometimes referred to as “straight through flowconfigurations” or by variants thereof. In general, in this context whatis meant is that the serviceable filter elements or cartridges generallyhave an inlet flow end (or face) and an opposite exit flow end (orface), with flow entering and exiting the filter cartridge in generallythe same straight through direction. The term “serviceable” in thiscontext is meant to refer to a media containing filter cartridge that isperiodically removed and replaced from a corresponding fluid (e.g. air)cleaner. In some instances, each of the inlet flow end (or face) andoutlet flow end (or face) will be generally flat or planar, with the twoparallel to one another. However, variations from this, for examplenon-planar faces, are possible.

A straight through flow configuration (especially for a coiled orstacked media pack) is, for example, in contrast to serviceable filtercartridges such as cylindrical pleated filter cartridges of the typeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778, incorporated herein by reference, inwhich the flow generally makes a substantial turn as its passes into andout of the media. That is, in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778 filter, the flowenters the cylindrical filter cartridge through a cylindrical side, andthen turns to exit through an open end of the media (in forward-flowsystems). In a typical reverse-flow system, the flow enters theserviceable cylindrical cartridge through an open end of the media andthen turns to exit through a side of the cylindrical filter media. Anexample of such a reverse-flow system is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,613,992, incorporated by reference herein.

The term “z-filter media construction” and variants thereof as usedherein, without more, is meant to include, but not necessarily belimited to, any or all of: a web of corrugated or otherwise fluted media(media having media ridges) secured to (facing) media, whether thesheets are separate or part of a single web, with appropriate sealing(closure) to allow for definition of inlet and outlet flutes; and/or amedia pack constructed or formed from such media into a threedimensional network of inlet and outlet flutes; and/or, a filtercartridge or construction including such a media pack.

In FIG. 1, an example of media 1 useable in z-filter media constructionis shown. The media 1 is formed from a fluted, in this instancecorrugated, sheet 3 and a facing sheet 4. A construction such as media 1is referred to herein as a single facer or single faced strip.

Sometimes, the corrugated fluted or ridged sheet 3, FIG. 1, is of a typegenerally characterized herein as having a regular, curved, wave patternof flutes, ridges or corrugations 7. The term “wave pattern” in thiscontext, is meant to refer to a flute, ridge or corrugated pattern ofalternating troughs 7 b and ridges 7 a. The term “regular” in thiscontext is meant to refer to the fact that the pairs of troughs andridges (7 b, 7 a) alternate with generally the same repeatingcorrugation (flute or ridge) shape and size. (Also, typically in aregular configuration each trough 7 b is substantially an inverse ridgefor each ridge 7 a.) The term “regular” is thus meant to indicate thatthe corrugation (or flute) pattern comprises troughs (inverted ridges)and ridges with each pair (comprising an adjacent trough and ridge)repeating, without substantial modification in size and shape of thecorrugations along at least 70% of the length of the flutes. The term“substantial” in this context, refers to a modification resulting from achange in the process or form used to create the corrugated or flutedsheet, as opposed to minor variations from the fact that the media sheet3 is flexible. With respect to the characterization of a repeatingpattern, it is not meant that in any given filter construction, an equalnumber of ridges and troughs is necessarily present. The media 1 couldbe terminated, for example, between a pair comprising a ridge and atrough, or partially along a pair comprising a ridge and a trough. (Forexample, in FIG. 1 the media 1 depicted in fragmentary has eightcomplete ridges 7 a and seven complete troughs 7 b.) Also, the oppositeflute ends (ends of the troughs and ridges) may vary from one another.Such variations in ends are disregarded in these definitions, unlessspecifically stated. That is, variations in the ends of flutes areintended to be covered by the above definitions.

In the context of the characterization of a “curved” wave pattern ofcorrugations, in certain instances the corrugation pattern is not theresult of a folded or creased shape provided to the media, but ratherthe apex 7 a of each ridge and the bottom 7 b of each trough is formedalong a radiused curve. A typical radius for such z-filter media wouldbe at least 0.25 mm and typically would be not more than 3 mm.

An additional characteristic of the particular regular, curved, wavepattern depicted in FIG. 1, for the corrugated sheet 3, is that atapproximately a midpoint 30 between each trough and each adjacent ridge,along most of the length of the flutes 7, is located a transition regionwhere the curvature inverts. For example, viewing back side or face 3 a,FIG. 1, trough 7 b is a concave region, and ridge 7 a is a convexregion. Of course when viewed toward front side or face 3 b, trough 7 bof side 3 a forms a ridge; and, ridge 7 a of face 3 a, forms a trough.(In some instances, region 30 can be a straight segment, instead of apoint, with curvature inverting at ends of the segment 30.)

A characteristic of the particular regular, wave pattern fluted (in thisinstance corrugated) sheet 3 shown in FIG. 1, is that the individualcorrugations, ridges or flutes are generally straight, althoughalternatives are possible. By “straight” in this context, it is meantthat through at least 70%, typically at least 80% of the length, theridges 7 a and troughs (or inverted ridges) 7 b do not changesubstantially in cross-section. The term “straight” in reference tocorrugation pattern shown in FIG. 1, in part distinguishes the patternfrom the tapered flutes of corrugated media described in FIG. 1 of WO97/40918 and PCT Publication WO 03/47722, published Jun. 12, 2003,incorporated herein by reference. The tapered flutes of FIG. 1 of WO97/40918, for example, would be a curved wave pattern, but not a“regular” pattern, or a pattern of straight flutes, as the terms areused herein.

Referring to the present FIG. 1 and as referenced above, the media 1 hasfirst and second opposite edges 8 and 9. When the media 1 is formed intoa media pack, in general edge 9 will form an inlet end or face for themedia pack and edge 8 an outlet end or face, although an oppositeorientation is possible.

In the example depicted, the various flutes 7 extend completely betweenthe opposite edges 8, 9, but alternatives are possible. For example,they can extend to a location adjacent or near the edges, but notcompletely therethrough. Also, they can be stopped and started partwaythrough the media, as for example in the media of US 2014/0208705 A1,incorporated herein by reference.

When the media is as depicted in FIG. 1, adjacent edge 8 can provided asealant bead 10, sealing the corrugated sheet 3 and the facing sheet 4together. Bead 10 will sometimes be referred to as a “single facer” or“single face” bead, or by variants, since it is a bead between thecorrugated sheet 3 and facing sheet 4, which forms the single facer(single faced) media strip 1. Sealant bead 10 seals closed individualflutes 11 adjacent edge 8, to passage of air therefrom (or thereto in anopposite flow).

In the media depicted in FIG. 1, adjacent edge 9 is provided seal bead14. Seal bead 14 generally closes flutes 15 to passage of unfilteredfluid therefrom (or flow therein in an opposite flow), adjacent edge 9.Bead 14 would typically be applied as media 1 is configured into a mediapack. If the media pack is made from a stack of strips 1, bead 14 willform a seal between a back side 17 of facing sheet 4, and side 18 of thenext adjacent corrugated sheet 3. When the media 1 is cut in strips andstacked, instead of coiled, bead 14 is referenced as a “stacking bead.”(When bead 14 is used in a coiled arrangement formed from a long stripof media 1, it may be referenced as a “winding bead.”).

In alternate types of through-flow media, seal material can be locateddifferently, and added sealant or adhesive can even be avoided. Forexample, in some instances, the media can be folded to form an end oredge seam; or, the media can be sealed closed by alternate techniquessuch as ultrasound application, etc. Further, even when sealant materialis used, it need not be adjacent opposite ends.

Referring to FIG. 1, once the filter media 1 is incorporated into amedia pack, for example by stacking or coiling, it can be operated asfollows. First, air in the direction of arrows 12, would enter openflutes 11 adjacent end 9. Due to the closure at end 8, by bead 10, theair would pass through the filter media 1, for example as shown byarrows 13. It could then exit the media or media pack, by passagethrough open ends 15 a of the flutes 15, adjacent end 8 of the mediapack. Of course operation could be conducted with air flow in theopposite direction.

For the particular arrangement shown herein in FIG. 1, the parallelcorrugations 7 a, 7 b are generally straight completely across themedia, from edge 8 to edge 9. Straight flutes, ridges or corrugationscan be deformed or folded at selected locations, especially at ends.Modifications at flute ends for closure are generally disregarded in theabove definitions of “regular,” “curved” and “wave pattern.”

Z-filter constructions which do not utilize straight, regular curvedwave pattern corrugation shapes are known. For example in Yamada et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,825 corrugation patterns which utilize somewhatsemicircular (in cross section) inlet flutes adjacent narrow V-shaped(with curved sides) exit flutes are shown (see FIGS. 1 and 3, of U.S.Pat. No. 5,562,825). In Matsumoto, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,326circular (in cross-section) or tubular flutes defined by one sheethaving half tubes attached to another sheet having half tubes, with flatregions between the resulting parallel, straight, flutes are shown, seeFIG. 2 of Matsumoto '326. In Ishii, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,561(FIG. 1) flutes folded to have a rectangular cross section are shown, inwhich the flutes taper along their lengths. In WO 97/40918 (FIG. 1),flutes or parallel corrugations which have a curved, wave patterns (fromadjacent curved convex and concave troughs) but which taper along theirlengths (and thus are not straight) are shown. Also, in WO 97/40918flutes which have curved wave patterns, but with different sized ridgesand troughs, are shown. Also, flutes which are modified in shape toinclude various ridges are known.

In general, the filter media is a relatively flexible material,typically a non-woven fibrous material (of cellulose fibers, syntheticfibers or both) often including a resin therein, sometimes treated withadditional materials. Thus, it can be conformed or configured into thevarious corrugated patterns, without unacceptable media damage. Also, itcan be readily coiled or otherwise configured for use, again withoutunacceptable media damage. Of course, it must be of a nature such thatit will maintain the required corrugated configuration, during use.

Typically, in the corrugation process, an inelastic deformation iscaused to the media. This prevents the media from returning to itsoriginal shape. However, once the tension is released the flute orcorrugations will tend to spring back, recovering only a portion of thestretch and bending that has occurred. The facing media sheet issometimes tacked to the fluted media sheet, to inhibit this spring backin the corrugated sheet. Such tacking is shown at 20.

Also, typically, the media contains a resin. During the corrugationprocess, the media can be heated to above the glass transition point ofthe resin. When the resin then cools, it will help to maintain thefluted shapes.

The media of the corrugated (fluted) sheet 3 facing sheet 4 or both, canbe provided with a fine fiber material on one or both sides thereof, forexample in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,136, incorporated herein byreference. In some instances, when such fine fiber material is used, itmay be desirable to provide the fine fiber on the upstream side of thematerial and inside the flutes. When this occurs, air flow, duringfiltering, will typically be into the edge comprising the stacking bead.

An issue with respect to z-filter constructions relates to closing ofthe individual flute ends. Although alternatives are possible, typicallya sealant or adhesive is provided, to accomplish the closure. As isapparent from the discussion above, in typical z-filter media especiallythat which uses straight flutes as opposed to tapered flutes and sealantfor flute seals, large sealant surface areas (and volume) at both theupstream end and the downstream end are needed. High quality seals atthese locations are important to proper operation of the media structurethat results. The high sealant volume and area, creates issues withrespect to this.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, in which z-filter media; i.e., az-filter media construction 40, utilizing a regular, curved, wavepattern corrugated sheet 43, and a non-corrugated flat sheet 44, i.e., asingle facer strip is schematically depicted. The distance D1, betweenpoints 50 and 51, defines the extension of flat media 44 in region 52underneath a given corrugated flute 53. The length D2 of the arcuatemedia for the corrugated flute 53, over the same distance D1 is ofcourse larger than D1, due to the shape of the corrugated flute 53. Fora typical regular shaped media used in fluted filter applications, thelinear length D2 of the media 53 between points 50 and 51 will often beat least 1.2 times D1. Typically, D2 would be within a range of 1.2-2.0times D1, inclusive. One particularly convenient arrangement for airfilters has a configuration in which D2 is about 1.25-1.35×D1. Suchmedia has, for example, been used commercially in Donaldson Powercore™Z-filter arrangements. Another potentially convenient size would be onein which D2 is about 1.4-1.6 times D1. Herein the ratio D2/D1 willsometimes be characterized as the flute/flat ratio or media draw for thecorrugated media.

In the corrugated cardboard industry, various standard flutes have beendefined. For example the standard E flute, standard X flute, standard Bflute, standard C flute and standard A flute. FIG. 3, attached, incombination with Table A below provides definitions of these flutes.

Donaldson Company, Inc., (DCI) the assignee of the present disclosure,has used variations of the standard A and standard B flutes, in avariety of z-filter arrangements. These flutes are also defined in TableA and FIG. 3.

TABLE A (Flute definitions for FIG. 3) DCI A Flute: Flute/flat = 1.52:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1000 = .0675 inch (1.715 mm); R1001 =.0581 inch (1.476 mm); R1002 = .0575 inch (1.461 mm); R1003 = .0681 inch(1.730 mm); DCI B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.32:1; The Radii (R) are asfollows: R1004 = .0600 inch (1.524 mm); R1005 = .0520 inch (1.321 mm);R1006 = .0500 inch (1.270 mm); R1007 = .0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. EFlute: Flute/flat = 1.24:1; The Radii (R) are as follows: R1008 = .0200inch (.508 mm); R1009 = .0300 inch (.762 mm); R1010 = .0100 inch (.254mm); R1011 = .0400 inch (1.016 mm); Std. X Flute: Flute/flat = 1.29:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1012 = .0250 inch (.635 mm); R1013 =.0150 inch (.381 mm); Std. B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.29:1; The Radii (R)are as follows: R1014 = .0410 inch (1.041 mm); R1015 = .0310 inch (.7874mm); R1016 = .0310 inch (.7874 mm); Std. C Flute: Flute/flat = 1.46:1;The Radii (R) are as follows: R1017 = .0720 inch (1.829 mm); R1018 =.0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. A Flute: Flute/flat = 1.53:1; The Radii (R)are as follows: R1019 = .0720 inch (1.829 mm); R1020 = .0620 inch (1.575mm).

Of course other, standard, flutes definitions from the corrugated boxindustry are known.

In general, standard flute configurations from the corrugated boxindustry can be used to define corrugation shapes or approximatecorrugation shapes for corrugated media. Comparisons above between theDCI A flute and DCI B flute, and the corrugation industry standard A andstandard B flutes, indicate some convenient variations.

It is noted that alternative flute definitions such as thosecharacterized in U.S. Ser. No. 12/215,718, filed Jun. 26, 2008; andpublished as US 2009/0127211; U.S. Ser. No. 12/012,785, filed Feb. 4,2008 and published as US 2008/0282890; and/or U.S. Ser. No. 12/537,069published as US 2010/0032365 can be used, with air cleaner features ascharacterized herein below. The complete disclosures of each of US2009/0127211, US 2008/0282890 and US 2010/0032365 are incorporatedherein by reference.

Another media variation comprising fluted media with facing mediasecured thereto, can be used in arrangements according to the presentdisclosure, in either a stacked or coiled form, is described in US2014/0208705 A1, owned by Baldwin Filters, Inc., published Jul. 31,2014, and incorporated herein by reference.

B. Manufacture of Media Pack Configurations Including the Media of FIGS.1-3, See FIGS. 4-7

In FIG. 4, one example of a manufacturing process for making a mediastrip (single facer) corresponding to strip 1, FIG. 1 is shown. Ingeneral, facing sheet 64 and the fluted (corrugated) sheet 66 havingflutes 68 are brought together to form a media web 69, with an adhesivebead located therebetween at 70. The adhesive bead 70 will form a singlefacer bead 10, FIG. 1. An optional darting process occurs at station 71to form center darted section 72 located mid-web. The z-filter media orZ-media strip 74 can be cut or slit at 75 along the bead 70 to createtwo pieces or strips 76, 77 of z-filter media 74, each of which has anedge with a strip of sealant (single facer bead) extending between thecorrugating and facing sheet. Of course, if the optional darting processis used, the edge with a strip of sealant (single facer bead) would alsohave a set of flutes darted at this location.

Techniques for conducting a process as characterized with respect toFIG. 4 are described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004incorporated herein by reference.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, before the z-filter media 74 is putthrough the darting station 71 and eventually slit at 75, it must beformed. In the schematic shown in FIG. 4, this is done by passing asheet of filter media 92 through a pair of corrugation rollers 94, 95.In the schematic shown in FIG. 4, the sheet of filter media 92 isunrolled from a roll 96, wound around tension rollers 98, and thenpassed through a nip or bite 102 between the corrugation rollers 94, 95.The corrugation rollers 94, 95 have teeth 104 that will give the generaldesired shape of the corrugations after the flat sheet 92 passes throughthe nip 102. After passing through the nip 102, the sheet 92 becomescorrugated across the machine direction and is referenced at 66 as thecorrugated sheet. The corrugated sheet 66 is then secured to facingsheet 64. (The corrugation process may involve heating the media, insome instances.)

Still in reference to FIG. 4, the process also shows the facing sheet 64being routed to the darting process station 71. The facing sheet 64 isdepicted as being stored on a roll 106 and then directed to thecorrugated sheet 66 to form the Z-media 74. The corrugated sheet 66 andthe facing sheet 64 would typically be secured together by adhesive orby other means (for example by sonic welding).

Referring to FIG. 4, an adhesive line 70 is shown used to securecorrugated sheet 66 and facing sheet 64 together, as the sealant bead.Alternatively, the sealant bead for forming the facing bead could beapplied as shown as 70 a. If the sealant is applied at 70 a, it may bedesirable to put a gap in the corrugation roller 95, and possibly inboth corrugation rollers 94, 95, to accommodate the bead 70 a.

Of course the equipment of FIG. 4 can be modified to provide for thetack beads 20, FIG. 1, if desired.

The type of corrugation provided to the corrugated media is a matter ofchoice, and will be dictated by the corrugation or corrugation teeth ofthe corrugation rollers 94, 95. One useful corrugation pattern will be aregular curved wave pattern corrugation, of straight flutes or ridges,as defined herein above. A typical regular curved wave pattern used,would be one in which the distance D2, as defined above, in a corrugatedpattern is at least 1.2 times the distance D1 as defined above. Inexample applications, typically D2=1.25−1.35×D1, although alternativesare possible. In some instances the techniques may be applied withcurved wave patterns that are not “regular,” including, for example,ones that do not use straight flutes. Also, variations from the curvedwave patterns shown, are possible.

As described, the process shown in FIG. 4 can be used to create thecenter darted section 72. FIG. 5 shows, in cross-section, one of theflutes 68 after darting and slitting.

A fold arrangement 118 can be seen to form a darted flute 120 with fourcreases 121 a, 121 b, 121 c, 121 d. The fold arrangement 118 includes aflat first layer or portion 122 that is secured to the facing sheet 64.A second layer or portion 124 is shown pressed against the first layeror portion 122. The second layer or portion 124 is preferably formedfrom folding opposite outer ends 126, 127 of the first layer or portion122.

Still referring to FIG. 5, two of the folds or creases 121 a, 121 b willgenerally be referred to herein as “upper, inwardly directed” folds orcreases. The term “upper” in this context is meant to indicate that thecreases lie on an upper portion of the entire fold 120, when the fold120 is viewed in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term “inwardly directed”is meant to refer to the fact that the fold line or crease line of eachcrease 121 a, 121 b, is directed toward the other.

In FIG. 5, creases 121 c, 121 d, will generally be referred to herein as“lower, outwardly directed” creases. The term “lower” in this contextrefers to the fact that the creases 121 c, 121 d are not located on thetop as are creases 121 a, 121 b, in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term“outwardly directed” is meant to indicate that the fold lines of thecreases 121 c, 121 d are directed away from one another.

The terms “upper” and “lower” as used in this context are meantspecifically to refer to the fold 120, when viewed from the orientationof FIG. 5. That is, they are not meant to be otherwise indicative ofdirection when the fold 120 is oriented in an actual product for use.

Based upon these characterizations and review of FIG. 5, it can be seenthat a regular fold arrangement 118 according to FIG. 5 in thisdisclosure is one which includes at least two “upper, inwardly directed,creases.” These inwardly directed creases are unique and help provide anoverall arrangement in which the folding does not cause a significantencroachment on adjacent flutes.

A third layer or portion 128 can also be seen pressed against the secondlayer or portion 124. The third layer or portion 128 is formed byfolding from opposite inner ends 130, 131 of the third layer 128.

Another way of viewing the fold arrangement 118 is in reference to thegeometry of alternating ridges and troughs of the corrugated sheet 66.The first layer or portion 122 is formed from an inverted ridge. Thesecond layer or portion 124 corresponds to a double peak (afterinverting the ridge) that is folded toward, and in preferredarrangements, folded against the inverted ridge.

Techniques for providing the optional dart described in connection withFIG. 5, in a preferred manner, are described in PCT WO 04/007054,incorporated herein by reference. Techniques for coiling the media, withapplication of the winding bead, are described in PCT application US04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004 and published as WO 04/082795 andincorporated herein by reference.

Alternate approaches to darting the fluted ends closed are possible.Such approaches can involve, for example: darting which is not centeredin each flute; and, rolling, pressing or folding over the variousflutes. In general, darting involves folding or otherwise manipulatingmedia adjacent to fluted end, to accomplish a compressed, closed, state.

Techniques described herein are particularly well adapted for use inmedia packs that result from a step of coiling a single sheet comprisinga corrugated sheet/facing sheet combination, i.e., a “single facer”strip. However, they can also be made into stacked arrangements.

Coiled media or media pack arrangements can be provided with a varietyof peripheral perimeter definitions. In this context the term“peripheral, perimeter definition” and variants thereof, is meant torefer to the outside perimeter shape defined, looking at either theinlet end or the outlet end of the media or media pack. Typical shapesare circular as described in PCT WO 04/007054. Other useable shapes areobround, some examples of obround being oval shape. In general ovalshapes have opposite curved ends attached by a pair of opposite sides.In some oval shapes, the opposite sides are also curved. In other ovalshapes, sometimes called racetrack shapes, the opposite sides aregenerally straight. Racetrack shapes are described for example in PCT WO04/007054, and PCT application US 04/07927, published as WO 04/082795,each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Another way of describing the peripheral or perimeter shape is bydefining the perimeter resulting from taking a cross-section through themedia pack in a direction orthogonal to the winding access of the coil.

Opposite flow ends or flow faces of the media or media pack can beprovided with a variety of different definitions. In many arrangements,the ends or end faces are generally flat (planer) and perpendicular toone another. In other arrangements, one or both of the end faces includetapered, for example, stepped, portions which can either be defined toproject axially outwardly from an axial end of the side wall of themedia pack; or, to project axially inwardly from an end of the side wallof the media pack.

The flute seals (for example from the single facer bead, winding bead orstacking bead) can be formed from a variety of materials. In variousones of the cited and incorporated references, hot melt or polyurethaneseals are described as possible for various applications.

In FIG. 6, a coiled media pack (or coiled media) 130 constructed bycoiling a single strip of single faced media is depicted, generally. Theparticular coiled media pack depicted is an oval media pack 130 a,specifically a racetrack shaped media pack 131. The tail end of themedia, at the outside of the media pack 130 is shown at 131 x. It willbe typical to terminate that tail end along straight section of themedia pack 130 for convenience and sealing. Typically, a hot melt sealbead or seal bead is positioned along that tail end to ensure sealing.In the media pack 130, the opposite flow (end) faces are designated at132, 133. One would be an inlet flow face, the other an outlet flowface.

In FIG. 7, there is (schematically) shown a step of forming stackedz-filter media (or media pack) from strips of z-filter media, each stripbeing a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet. Referring to FIG. 6,single facer strip 200 is being shown added to a stack 201 of strips 202analogous to strip 200. Strip 200 can be cut from either of strips 76,77, FIG. 4. At 205, FIG. 6, application of a stacking bead 206 is shown,between each layer corresponding to a strip 200, 202 at an opposite edgefrom the single facer bead or seal. (Stacking can also be done with eachlayer being added to the bottom of the stack, as opposed to the top.)

Referring to FIG. 7, each strip 200, 202 has front and rear edges 207,208 and opposite side edges 209 a, 209 b. Inlet and outlet flutes of thecorrugated sheet/facing sheet combination comprising each strip 200, 202generally extend between the front and rear edges 207, 208, and parallelto side edges 209 a, 209 b.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in the media or media pack 201 being formed,opposite flow faces are indicated at 210, 211. The selection of whichone of faces 210, 211 is the inlet end face and which is the outlet endface, during filtering, is a matter of choice. In some instances thestacking bead 206 is positioned adjacent the upstream or inlet face 211;in others the opposite is true. The flow faces 210, 211, extend betweenopposite side faces 220, 221.

The stacked media configuration or pack 201 shown being formed in FIG.7, is sometimes referred to herein as a “blocked” stacked media pack.The term “blocked” in this context, is an indication that thearrangement is formed to a rectangular block in which all faces are 90°relative to all adjoining wall faces. For example, in some instances thestack can be created with each strip 200 being slightly offset fromalignment with an adjacent strip, to create a parallelogram or slantedblock shape, with the inlet face and outlet face parallel to oneanother, but not perpendicular to upper and bottom surfaces.

In some instances, the media or media pack will be referenced as havinga parallelogram shape in any cross-section, meaning that any twoopposite side faces extend generally parallel to one another.

It is noted that a blocked, stacked arrangement corresponding to FIG. 7is described in the prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporatedherein by reference. It is also noted that stacked arrangements aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,772,883; 5,792,247; U.S. Provisional60/457,255 filed Mar. 25, 2003; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,564 filed Dec.8, 2003 and published as 2004/0187689. Each of these latter referencesis incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that a stackedarrangement shown in U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,504, published as 2005/0130508is a slanted stacked arrangement.

It is also noted that, in some instances, more than one stack can beincorporated into a single media pack. Also, in some instances, thestack can be generated with one or more flow faces that have a recesstherein, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,419 incorporatedherein by reference.

C. Selected Media or Media Pack Arrangements Comprising Multiple SpacedCoils of Fluted Media; FIGS. 8-8B

Alternate types of media arrangements or packs that involve flutesbetween opposite ends extending between can be used with selectedprinciples according to the present disclosure. An example of suchalternate media arrangement or pack is depicted in FIGS. 8-8B. The mediaof FIGS. 8-8B is analogous to one depicted and described in DE 20 2008017 059 U1; and as can sometimes found in arrangements available underthe mark “IQORON” from Mann & Hummel.

Referring to FIG. 8, the media or media pack is indicated generally at250. The media or media pack 250 comprises a first outer pleated(ridged) media loop 251 and a second, inner, pleated (ridged) media loop252, each with pleat tips (or ridges) extending between opposite flowends. The view of FIG. 8 is toward a media pack (flow) end 255. The end255 depicted, can be an inlet (flow) end or an outlet (flow) end,depending on selected flow direction. For many arrangements usingprinciples characterized having the media pack 250 would be configuredin a filter cartridge such that end 255 is an inlet flow end.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the outer pleated (ridged) media loop 251 isconfigured in an oval shape, though alternatives are possible. At 260, apleat end closure, for example molded in place, is depicted closing endsof the pleats or ridges 251 at media pack end 255.

Pleats, or ridges 252 (and the related pleat tips) are positionedsurrounded by and spaced from loop 251, and thus pleated media loop 252is also depicted in a somewhat oval configuration. In this instance,ends 252 e of individual pleats or ridges 252 p in a loop 252 are sealedclosed. Also, loop 252 surrounds the center 252 c that is closed by acenter strip 253 of material, typically molded-in-place.

During filtering, when end 255 is an inlet flow end, air enters gap 265between the two loops of media 251, 252. The air then flows eitherthrough loop 251 or loop 252, as it moves through the media pack 250,with filtering.

In the example depicted, loop 251 is configured slanting inwardly towardloop 252, in extension away from end 255. Also spacers 266 are shownsupporting a centering ring 267 that surrounds an end of the loop 252,for structural integrity.

In FIG. 8A, an end 256 of the cartridge 250, opposite end 255 isviewable. Here, an interior of loop 252 can be seen, surrounding an opengas flow region 270. When air is directed through cartridge 250 in ageneral direction toward end 256 and away from end 255, the portion ofthe air that passes through loop 252 will enter central region 270 andexit therefrom at end 256. Of course air that has entered media loop251, FIG. 8, during filtering would generally pass around (over) anouter perimeter 256 p of end 256.

In FIG. 8B a schematic cross sectional view of cartridge 250 isprovided. Selected identified and described features are indicated bylike reference numerals

It will be understood from a review of FIGS. 8-8B, the abovedescription, that the cartridge 250 described, is generally a cartridgewhich has media tips extending in a longitudinal direction betweenopposite flow ends 255, 256.

In the arrangement of FIGS. 8-8B, the media pack 250 is depicted with anoval, in particular racetrack, shaped perimeter. It is depicted in thismanner, since the air filter cartridges in many examples below also havean oval or racetrack shaped configuration. However, the principles canbe embodied in a variety of alternate peripheral shapes.

D. Other Media Variations, FIGS. 9-12B

Herein, in FIGS. 9-12B, some schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectionalviews are provided of still further alternate variations of media typesthat can be used in selected applications of the principlescharacterized herein. Certain examples are described in U.S. Ser. No.62/077,749, filed Nov. 10, 2014 and owned by the Assignee of the presentdisclosure, Donaldson Company, Inc. In general, each of the arrangementsof FIGS. 9-12 represents a media type that can be stacked or coiled intoan arrangement that has opposite inlet and outlet flow ends (or faces),with straight through flow.

In FIG. 9, an example media arrangement 301 from U.S. Ser. No.62/077,749 is depicted, in which an embossed sheet 302 is secured to anon-embossed sheet 303, then stacked and coiled into a media pack, withseals along opposite edges of the type previously described for FIG. 1herein.

In FIG. 10, an alternate example media pack 310 from U.S. Ser. No.62/077,749 is depicted, in which a first embossed sheet 311 is securedto a second embossed sheet 312 and then formed into a stacked or coiledmedia pack arrangement, having edge seals generally in accord with FIG.1 herein.

In FIG. 11, a third example media arrangement 320 from U.S. Ser. No.62/077,749 is depicted, in which a sheet 321, which is embossed on bothsides, is secured to another layer 322 of a similar media, but inverted,and stacked or coiled into a media pack 320, with edge seals somewhatanalogous to FIG. 1.

Edge seals can be conducted in either the upstream end or the downstreamend, or in some instances both. Especially when the media is likely toencounter chemical material during filtering, it may be desirable toavoid a typical adhesive or sealant.

In FIG. 11A, a cross-section is depicted in which the fluted sheet X hasvarious embossments on it for engagement with the facing sheet Y. Againthese can be separate, or sections of the same media sheet.

In FIG. 11B, a schematic depiction of such an arrangement between thefluted sheet X and facing sheet Y is also shown.

In FIG. 11C, a still further variation of such a principle is shownbetween a fluted sheet X and a facing sheet Y. These are meant to helpunderstand how a wide variety of approaches are possible.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B, an example media arrangement 6401 is depicted, inwhich a fluted sheet 6402 is secured to a facing sheet 6403. The facingsheet 6403 may be a flat sheet. The media arrangement 6401 can then bestacked or coiled into a media pack, with seals along opposite edges ofthe type previously described for FIG. 1 herein. In the embodimentshown, the flutes 6404 of fluted sheet 6402 have an undulating ridgelineincluding a series of peaks 6405 and saddles 6406. The peaks 6405 ofadjacent flutes 6404 can be either aligned as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12Bor offset. Further the peak height and/or density can increase,decrease, or remain constant along the length of the flutes 6404. Theratio of the peak flute height to saddle flute height can vary fromabout 1.5, typically from 1.1 to about 1.

It is noted that there is no specific requirement that the same media beused for the fluted sheet section and the facing sheet section. Adifferent media can be desirable in each, to obtain different effects.For example, one may be a cellulose media, while the other is a mediacontaining some non-cellulose fiber. They may be provided with differentporosity or different structural characteristics, to achieve desiredresults.

A variety of materials can be used. For example, the fluted sheetsection or the facing sheet section can include a cellulose material,synthetic material, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, one ofthe fluted sheet section and the facing sheet section includes acellulose material and the other of the fluted sheet section and facingsheet section includes a synthetic material.

Synthetic material(s) can include polymeric fibers, such as polyolefin,polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol (of variousdegrees of hydrolysis), and polyvinyl acetate fibers. Suitable syntheticfibers include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene,polypropylene, nylon, and rayon fibers. Other suitable synthetic fibersinclude those made from thermoplastic polymers, cellulosic and otherfibers coated with thermoplastic polymers, and multi-component fibers inwhich at least one of the components includes a thermoplastic polymer.Single and multi-component fibers can be manufactured from polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, and other conventional thermoplasticfibrous materials.

The examples of FIGS. 9-12B, are meant to indicate generally that avariety alternate media packs can be used in accord with the principlesherein. Attention is also directed to U.S. Ser. No. 62/077,749incorporated herein by reference, with respect to the general principlesof construction and application of some alternates media types.

E. Still Further Media Types

Many of the techniques characterized herein will preferably be appliedwhen the media is oriented for filtering between opposite flow ends ofthe cartridge is media having flutes or pleat tips that extend in adirection between those opposite ends. However, alternatives arepossible. The techniques characterized herein with respect to sealarrangement definition can be applied in filter cartridges that haveopposite flow ends, with media positioned to filter fluid flow betweenthose ends, even when the media does not include flutes or pleat tipsextending in a direction between those ends. The media, for example, canbe depth media, can be pleated in an alternate direction, or it can be anon-pleated material.

It is indeed the case, however, that the techniques characterized hereinare particularly advantageous for use with cartridges that arerelatively deep in extension between flow ends, usually at least 100 mm,typically at least 150 mm, often at least 200 mm, sometimes at least 250mm, and in some instances 300 mm or more, and are configured for largeloading volume during use. These types of systems will typically be onesin which the media is configured with pleat tips or flutes extending ina direction between opposite flow ends.

III. An Example Air Cleaner Assembly and Features, FIGS. 13-35

In FIGS. 13-35, an example air cleaner assembly is depicted thatincludes features, as characterized herein, usable with filtercartridges that include media types as previously characterized herein.Although the media variations described above can be used, variationsfrom them are possible. The specific choice of media is a matter ofpreference for cost, assembly and/or filter capability, efficiency orlifetime preferences. Typically, the selected media will be of the typeof FIG. 1, with a length of extension between the two flow faces (orends) of at least 100 mm, usually at least 150 mm, typically at least200 mm, sometimes at least 250 mm. Indeed in some instances the lengthmay be at least 300 mm or even more.

A. Some General Air Cleaner Features, FIGS. 13-17

The reference numeral 400, FIG. 13, generally indicates an example aircleaner assembly according to the present disclosure. The air cleanerassembly 400 generally comprises a housing 401. The example housing 401includes a body 402 with a removable service or access cover 403thereon, by which access to internally received componentry such asfilter cartridges can be obtained.

Referring to FIG. 12, the air cleaner 400, includes, (in the examplepositioned on the body 402), an outlet arrangement 405. The outletarrangement 405 is generally positioned for exit of filtered air, fromthe air cleaner assembly 400, in the example through outlet 405 x. Theoutlet arrangement or assembly 405 can be made separately from aremainder of the body 402 and be attached thereto, or it can be formedintegral with a remainder of the body 402. With arrangements in whichthe outlet arrangement 405 is separately made, modular assemblypractices can be used, to provide alternate outlet arrangements 405 fordifferent systems of use. The housing 401 can be constructed from avariety of materials, when various principles according to the presentdisclosure are provided. The features characterized, are particularlywell adapted for use with a housing that is primarily made from moldedplastic components. The housing 401 of FIG. 13 is generally such acomponent, and selected housing features, such as body 402, can be madeto include various structural ribbing members thereon, not fullydetailed herein, for strength and integrity; see for example thearrangement of WO 2016/105560, incorporated herein by reference.

In general, the housing 401 can be characterized as including an airflow inlet arrangement 401 a, through which air to be filtered entersthe assembly 400. The particular assembly 400 depicted, also includes aprecleaner with a contaminant ejection port or port arrangement 426,discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 14, the particular air cleaner assembly 400 depicted,is a two-stage air cleaner assembly, and includes a precleaner 410therein. The precleaner 410, in the example depicted, comprises aplurality of separator tubes 411, FIG. 14, for example, as characterizedbelow. The precleaner 410 is usable to preclean selected material(contaminant) carried by an air stream into the air cleaner assembly400, before the air reaches the filter cartridge(s) positioned therein.Such precleaning generally leads to substantial removal of liquidparticulate such as rain water or splashed water, etc. and/or various(especially larger) dust or other particles. Operation of the precleaner410, and preferred configurations thereof, are described herein below.It is noted that particular example precleaner 410 depicted, comprises aportion of the access cover 403. Such precleaners are generallydescribed in references such as WO 2016/105560, incorporated herein byreference.

Many of the principles characterized herein can be applied in aircleaner assemblies that do not have a precleaner positioned as acomponent thereof, i.e. for which the precleaner is separate componentor is not used at all.

A mounting pad arrangement can be provided, by which the air cleanerassembly 400 can be secured to equipment for use. Mounting padarrangements would generally comprise a plurality of feet or padsattached to (or molded integral with) housing body 402. An example isshown at 409, FIG. 16. Mounting pads or pad arrangements can be providedin a manner common in plastic air cleaner manufacture, such as forexample described in WO 2016/105560, incorporated herein by reference.

Referring again to FIG. 14, the particular access cover 403 depicted, issecured in place by a connector arrangement 417, and in the exampledepicted comprising a pair of latches 418. Of course, an alternatenumber or location can be used; and/or, alternate connector arrangementscan be used, including for example, bolts or other fasteners.

The particular air cleaner housing 401 depicted, generally has across-sectional shape with a long axis (in a plane perpendicular to anaxis or general direction of air flow) and a shorter axis perpendicularto the longer axis. In FIG. 14, the air cleaner assembly 400 is depictedconfigured so that in use it would typically be mounted with the longercross-sectional axis generally vertical, and so that the ejector 426 ispointed down. The principles described herein can be applied inalternate arrangements, as will be apparent from discussions below.

Referring again to FIG. 13, at 423, ports in the outlet arrangement 405are depicted. The ports 423 can be used for restriction indicators orother equipment. In addition, if desired, a mass air flow sensor (MAFS)arrangement can be mounted on outlet arrangement 405 or in ductingfurther downstream therefrom.

In FIG. 13, attention is directed to contaminant evacuation portarrangement 426. The (outlet) port 426 arrangement is positioned forremoval of particulate and/or water (contaminant) collected by theprecleaner 410, from the housing 401 and upstream of internalcartridges. It can generally be characterized as a contaminant“evacuation” port or port arrangement due to this function. It willtypically be oriented in a portion of the housing 401 directeddownwardly in use. Thus, if it is desired to mount the air cleanerassembly 400 differently than with mounting pad arrangement 409, forexample along an opposite side, an additional mounting arrangement onthat side would need to be provided; or, the port arrangement 426 wouldneed to be positioned at a different location or in the housing body,for example oppositely.

In general terms, for typical applications, the outlet port arrangement426 would be directed downwardly for gravity assist to materialevacuation from the precleaner assembly 410. The port arrangement 410can be provided with an evacuator valve assembly therein, or it may beattached to a scavenge duct to facilitate removal of material from theprecleaner 410.

Still referring to FIG. 13, it is noted that the particular contaminantevacuator port arrangement 426 depicted, is positioned in the housingbody 402. Alternate locations, for example, in a portion of an alternateaccess cover, are possible in some applications of selected techniquesdescribed herein.

Referring to FIG. 13, attention is directed to structure 426 x. Thisindicates a possible alternate evacuation outlet location, for exampleif the air cleaner 400 is to be mounted with the long axis directedhorizontally. In the particular example depicted, port location 426 x isa closed molded structure. However, if the air cleaner assembly 400 wasbeing configured for use with a long axis horizontal, port location 426x could be molded open and with an extension thereon to operate as aprimary ejector port; and, ejector port 426 could be molded closed andtypically without a tubular extension thereon.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 15, an exploded perspective view ofthe air cleaner assembly 400. At 402, the housing body is depicted. At403, the access cover is depicted, in the example comprising aprecleaner 410. The precleaner 410 depicted, comprises two shell orcover components secured to one another: an outer (inlet) cover portion410 a and an inner (outlet tube) cover portion 410 b, referenced furtherbelow. In some applications characterized herein, the components 410 a,410 b are snap-fit or otherwise secured together, but configured to beseparable to facilitate cleaning. However, in some applications of thetechniques characterized herein, the two covers or shell components 410a, 410 b can be secured together during assembly, and not be separableagain.

The general operation of the precleaner 410, again, is to separatecertain material (contaminant) upon entering into the air cleaner toallow for evacuation through outlet port 426 in housing body 402, andupstream of internally received filter cartridge componentry(specifically media). This inhibits certain materials from ever reachinginternally received filter cartridge.

In FIG. 15, at 430 a filter cartridge is depicted. The filter cartridge430 is generally a main or primary filter cartridge, and in useselectively separates particulate or containment material not separatedby the precleaner 410. Cartridge 430, is (generally) a service part (orremovable component), i.e. periodically during the lifetime of the aircleaner 400, the filter cartridge 430 would be removed and berefurbished or be replaced. The filter cartridge 430 comprises filter orfiltration media 431 which may be any of a variety of types, for examplevarious ones of these characterized herein above. The typical cartridge430 used with principles according to the present disclosure, is a“straight through flow” arrangement, which has a first (inlet) flow faceor end 432 and an opposite second outlet (flow) face or end 433, withfiltering flow of air through the filter cartridge 430 generally beingfrom the inlet end 432 to the outer end 433.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the particular air cleaner assembly 400depicted includes an optional secondary or safety filter 435. The(optional) safety or secondary filter 435 is generally positionedbetween the main filter cartridge 430 and the outlet 405 x. In a typicalarrangement, the (optional) secondary filter cartridge 435 is removablypositioned within the air cleaner assembly 400, and can be a servicecomponent. However, it is typically not subject to very significant dustload in use, and may be rarely, if ever, changed. It is an advantageousfeature that the safety filter 435 is structurally separate from themain cartridge 430, since it can remain in place protecting internalcomponents from dust, even when the main filter cartridge 430 isremoved.

In FIG. 16, an inlet end elevational view is depicted. Featurespreviously discussed include: access cover 403 comprising precleaner 410with various flow tubes 411; latches 418; and, ejector port arrangement426.

Here, optional mounting posts 409, referenced above, are also depicted.In FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 17-17,FIG. 16 is depicted. Here, selected previously discussed features areindicated as follows: the air cleaner assembly 400 with housing 401comprising body 402 and access cover 403; an internally positioned mainfilter cartridge 430; safety cartridge 435; outlet arrangement 405 withoutlet port 405 x; and, dust ejector port arrangement 426. Air enteringinlet end 401 a is directed to dust ejector tubes 411. In a firstencountered portion of the tubes 411, the air is directed into cyclonicflow via vane arrangements 411 v. The air exits the vane arrangements411 v with spinning, causing contaminant ejection through slide slotsdiscussed below, eventually directing the contaminant to be ejectedby/through the port arrangement 426. The remaining air flow is thendirected through (to) exit sections 411 e, to be further directeddownstream of the general direction of arrow 437, into inlet end 431, ofthe main filter arrangement 430. The air, being filtered by media in themain filter 430, cartridge exits at end 433, after which it enters media435 m of safety filter cartridge 435. Having passed through the safetycartridge 435, the air is then directed to outlet 405 x.

It is desirable to provide a seal arrangement between main filtercartridge 430 and the housing 401. In the example depicted, the sealarrangement (not detailed) will comprise a perimeter, axial, pinch seal,discussed below. Referring to FIG. 17A, the sealing will occur bycompression of the seal (not shown) being compressed between a portionor shelf 490 of the housing body 402 and a portion or tip 497 of theaccess cover 403.

Preferably the safety cartridge is also sealed to the housing body 402.Such a seal is preferably provided by seal arrangement 440 (FIG. 17)discussed below.

It is noted that FIGS. 17 and 17A are not precise but are schematic inthe region where the seal member (not shown) would be located, theabutment between where the parts occurs. They are intended to showgeneral locations and not specific features at these regions.

B. The Optional Safety Filter Cartridge, FIGS. 18 and 19

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the optional safety filter cartridge 435is depicted. Referring to FIG. 18, the safety filter cartridge 435comprises media 435 m in the example, pleated media, althoughalternatives are possible) secured within framework 441. The framework411, may, for example, comprise molded plastic construction with themedia 435 m secured thereto during molding. Seal arrangement 440 isshown positioned on a perimeter location of the molding 441. In theexample depicted, it would comprise an outwardly directed radial seal,i.e. it is configured to seal along an outer perimeter periphery tosurrounding portions of the housing 401. In alternative arrangements, anaxial pinch seal (a seal arrangement pinched between housing components)could be used at this location, but typically a radial seal ispreferred.

Still referring to FIG. 18, it is noted that the molding 441 includespleat spacer arrangement 442 and a handle arrangement 443. The handlearrangement 443, in the example depicted, comprises two handle membersdirected upstream when the cartridge 435 is installed. In the view ofFIG. 17, it can be seen that the handle arrangement 443 projects towardthe main filter cartridge 430.

In FIG. 19, an alternate view of cartridge 435 is shown, taken generallytoward an outlet side or downstream end of the cartridge. Featuresalready characterized and viewable in FIG. 19 include: media 435 m; sealarrangement 440; molded framework 441; pleat spacer 442; and, handlearrangement 443.

C. Main Filter Cartridge Features (Generally), FIGS. 20-23A

Referring back to FIG. 15, as indicated the assembly 400 depicted, ascharacterized, includes a main filter cartridge 430. The main filtercartridge 430, again, is a service part, and, in use, normally becomesloaded with dust and other contaminant as the air cleaner 400 is used.In due course, the main filter cartridge becomes sufficiently occluded,that servicing of air cleaner 400 is warranted, by opening the accesscover 403, removing the filter cartridge 430 and then eitherrefurbishing it or replacing it. In some instances, this operation mayalso involve removal and replacement or refurbishment of the optionalsafety filter 435 when present, but in many instances it will not.

In general terms, the main filter cartridge 430 comprises permeablefilter media (media pack 460) configured so that the air must passtherethrough, with filtering for air entering an inlet end (face) toexit an opposite outlet end (face). The filter media may be any of avariety of types. In typical applications, according to the presentdisclosure, the filter media will be configured in a media pack thatconducts filtration of air, as the air passes in a flow direction froman inlet end of the filter media pack to an opposite outlet end of thefilter media pack. Example filter media types that can be used in thismatter were described herein above, and many of them may be used to someadvantage and applications according to the present disclosure.

In FIG. 20, an example filter cartridge 430 is depicted. In generalterms, the filter cartridge 430 comprises a media pack 460 (media)positioned in extension between an inlet flow end (or face) 461 andopposite outlet flow end (or face) 462. In general terms, the filtercartridge 430, has opposite inlet and outlet flow ends (faces) 432, 433respectively, the inlet flow end 432 of the cartridge 430 correspondingto the inlet flow end 461 of the media pack 460; and, the outlet flowend 433 of the filter cartridge 430, corresponding to the outlet flowend 462 of the media pack 460. Thus, in general, the filter cartridge430 has a straight-through flow construction, i.e., in general airenters one end and exits the other without making a substantial turnwithin the media pack. At least, in this manner, such filter cartridgesare readily distinguishable from various well-known cylindrical pleatedmedia filter cartridges, in which the media is coiled around an open(flow) interior.

In general terms, in addition to the media pack 460; filter cartridge430 generally includes a housing seal arrangement 465, thereon. Thehousing seal arrangement 465 generally comprises a housing seal member466 (corresponding to seal 439, FIG. 17A) secured to a remainder of thefilter cartridge 430 in a manner, and at a location, such that it canform a releasable seal with an air cleaner housing in use, to inhibitair from bypassing the media pack 460 during use. To facilitate this,the seal member 466 will typically be a resilient material of a typetypically used for such sealing purposes. Examples are described in WO2016/105560 and WO 2014/210541, incorporated herein by reference.

The example seal member 466 depicted, and as a result the overallhousing seal arrangement 465, is configured and positioned as a pinchseal (or axial pinch seal) member 468. More specifically, it is aperimeter pinch seal member. By this, it is meant that the seal member468 (and housing seal arrangement 465 generally), extends around aperimeter of the cartridge 430 at a position so that it can be pinchedbetween two housing components under sealing pressure during use. Thepinch seal member 468, depicted, is sometimes referred to as an “axial”pinch seal member, since it is configured for sealing pressure (betweentwo housing components) applied in an axial direction, i.e., in ageneral direction of extension of an axis extending through the media460 from the inlet end 461 to the outlet end 462. Other types of sealarrangements (for example radial) can be used with selected principlesin accord with the present disclosure, but the principles areparticularly well adapted for use with axial pinch seals.

Herein, the term “radial seal” is meant to generally refer to a seal ofa type that sealingly engages either a surrounding portion of thehousing or other structure (an outwardly directed radial seal) or whichitself surrounds a structure as it seals thereto (inwardly directedradial seal). The term “radial” is meant to reference that the sealingforces are directed toward or away from a central axis that extendsthrough the region surrounded by the characterized seal member.

Still referring to FIG. 20, the particular filter cartridge 430depicted, includes an optional handle arrangement 475 thereon in theexample oriented adjacent the cartridge inlet end 432 and projectingtherefrom in a direction away from the outlet end 433. This positionsand orients the handle arrangement 475 where it can be readily graspedto manage servicing of the air cleaner 400. The particular examplehandle arrangement 475 depicted, includes a central handle bridge 476 inaxial alignment with media end 461 to define a space under the handlebridge 476 through which a person's fingers can extend during graspingof the handle member 475.

The particular handle arrangement 475 depicted is one that includes ahandle bridge 476 that extends over and across a short cross-sectionalaxis of the media pack 460, although alternatives are possible.

In a typical assembly, as discussed below in connection with FIG. 34,the handle arrangement 475 is part of a preform or structure thatincludes a perimeter frame portion 475 x oriented to surround the media460, and to be engaged by the seal member 468, for example by beingembedded the seal member 468 during assembly. Optional grid work 475 yis depicted extending across media 432 to provide for support andstructural integrity to such framework 475 x and to the media 431.

Referring to FIG. 15, the depicted filter cartridge 430 includes anoptional protective shell 480. The depicted shell 480 surrounds themedia pack 460 and protects the media pack 460 during handling and use.It also can be used to facilitate assembly, as discussed below. Theparticular shell 480 depicted, extends at least from the sealarrangement 466/468 to media pack end 462. The shell 480 can beconstructed in a variety of ways, and an example is discussed hereinbelow. The shell 480, in a typical application, would comprise a portionof a preform of molded plastic into which the media pack 460 ispositioned during assembly of the cartridge 430.

Still referring to FIG. 20, in the particular filter cartridge 430depicted the media 431 has a non-circular cross-sectional perimetershape, although principles described here can be applied in alternatearrangements. The particular cross-sectional shape of the media 431 isgenerally oval, although, again, alternatives are possible. In manyapplications of the present techniques, the media 431 will have across-sectional shape with a long cross-sectional axis in a planeperpendicular to air flow (through the media pack); and, a short axisperpendicular to the long axis and located along a mid-point of thelayer axis with: the ratio of a length (D1) of the long axis to a length(D2) of the short axis (at a location half-way along the length of thelong axis) being at least 1.4, often at least 1.7 typically at least1.8, and often within the range of 1.6-3.0, inclusive (for example,within the range of 2.0-2.6 inclusive). While alternatives are possible,such ratios will be typically be preferred for arrangements according tothe present disclosure, in part because they would relate to an aircleaner having an overall profile that is relatively low in onecross-dimension by relation to a perpendicular cross-dimension.

Typically, the media pack 431 is at least 100 mm long in extensionbetween flow ends, often at least 150 mm, long, in some instances atleast 200 mm long. It can be 250 mm or longer.

In FIG. 21, a side elevational view of cartridge 430 is depicted.Selected features previously characterized are viewable as follows: apreform 310 with handle 475, and bridge 476; and, a preform 500including shell 480; and a seal arrangement 465 with seal member 468.

In FIG. 21, attention is directed to seal member 468. Seal member 468includes a first, axially directed axial (housing) seal surface 468 xdirected toward cartridge end 433, and in use (FIG. 17) toward the airflow outlet 405 x. Surface 468 x will sometimes be referred to as the“downstream” pinch seal surface (or housing seal surface) or by varioussimilar terms, since it is the axial pinch seal surface of seal member468 directed to the downstream side. This will typically be the morecritical seal surface, since it is (in installation) sealed to (against)a more downstream housing component (i.e. to housing body 402) in use.

The surface of seal member 468 opposite surface 468 x, indicated in FIG.21 at 468 y will sometimes be referred to as the perimeter upstreamaxial surface or by similar terms. It may or not be a seal surface, butgenerally it is surface of the seal arrangement 468 against which aportion or tip 403 e (or 497) of the access cover 403 applies pressure,to cause sealing of surface 468 x against a housing, when the cartridge430 is installed. Surface 466 y will typically be non-contoured orfeatureless (basically flat) in perimeter extension, but alternativesare possible.

An outer peripheral or perimeter edge of the seal arrangement 468indicated at 468 p is typically not involved in sealing, as the sealarrangement 468 is (in a typical application) a pinch seal (an axialpinch seal) and not a radially directed seal. The surface 468 p,however, may optionally have contour features (often recessed) of importwith respect to engagement with the housing or housing componentry asdiscussed below.

Still referring to FIG. 21, surface 468 x is a “contoured” sealingsurface. By the term “contoured” in this context, it is meant that thesurface 468 x is not merely flat or planar in its (perimeter orperipheral) extension around the cartridge 430, but rather comprises asurface having at least one projection/recess contour therein. Contourarrangements comprising projection/recess contours that are useableinclude those described in WO 2014/210541 and/or WO 2016/105560,incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 21, at 469 a projection of an exampleprojection/recess contour is shown. The particular cartridge 430depicted has two projection contours 469, one on each side of thecartridge 430 in overlap with long, in the example (straight), sideportions of the cartridge 430, although an alternate number ofprojections (for example, only one) is possible.

In the particular example depicted, the two contours 469 are the sameand oriented as mirror images of one another in the cartridge 430.Alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 21A, an enlarged fragmentary view of the seal arrangement 465(seal member 468) in the region of a projection contour 469 is shown.Features of a typical preferred arrangement depicted in FIG. 21A arediscussed further below.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 21B, an enlarged fragmentary viewtaken generally along line 21B-21B, FIG. 21. Here, it can be seen thatthe seal arrangement 468 includes an axial seal surface 468 x with twoopposite projection sections 469 (469 x, 469 y). Selected featuresalready discussed and also viewable in FIG. 21B include: handlearrangement 475 with handle bridge 476; media 460 with inlet end 461;rib 475 y; perimeter preform section 475 x; and, shell 480.

In FIG. 22, an end view of the cartridge 430 (toward a narrow end) isshown, also allowing the two opposite projection contours 469 (469 x,469 y) to be viewed.

In FIG. 23, a perspective view taken toward outlet end 433 (462) isshown. Here, grid work 481 in a preform 500 comprising shell 480 isshown, supporting media end 462 at this location. A variety ofconfigurations for the grid work 481 can be used; the one depictedmerely showing an example. The grid work 481 can be configured forpreferred air flow patterns, for decoration and/or for source indicatingfunction if desired.

Referring to FIG. 23, attention is directed to receiver recess 491.Receiver recess 491 is, generally, a receiver recess positioned betweensurface 468 x and the media pack 460 (for the example depicted, aportion of the shell 480 surrounding the media pack 460). The receiverrecess 491 is configured to receive, projecting therein, a portion ofthe housing body 402 during installation. The receiver recess 491 may becontinuous in extension around a perimeter of the media pack 460 (asshown) but such is not required in all applications of the techniquesdescribed herein. Receipt of a housing projection into the receiverrecess 491 during installation, helps to ensure that the cartridge 430is properly positioned in the housing body 402 before the access cover403 is applied. Also, it helps the service provider know that thecartridge 430 is a proper one (properly positioned) for the air cleaner400 being serviced. A typical receiver recess 491 would be at least 5 mmdeep, usually at least 7 mm deep, and sometimes more. It will alsotypically be at least 9 mm wide and often 9-15 mm wide. Also, typicallythe seal arrangement 485, adjacent the receiver 491, will typically berelatively thin, often less than 15 mm, and sometimes 10 mm or less.Indeed, adjacent a tip in a region where a projection is located, it maybe less than 8 mm thick.

It is noted that the outer perimeter 468 p may be provided with sometaper toward the media, in extension along its length. This is notrequired, however.

Also referring to FIG. 23, attention is directed to the perimetersurface 468 p of the housing seal arrangement 468. The perimeter surface468 p, for the example depicted, includes a recess arrangement 468 rtherein, in the perimeter. Referring to FIG. 21B, the recess arrangement468 r depicted comprises two recesses 468 r positioned as mirror imagesof one another in the cartridge. In the example depicted, each recess468 r is positioned in perimeter alignment (i.e. overlap) with a contourprojection 469 in surface 468 x. This is typical and preferred forreasons discussed below, but alternatives are possible.

Attention is now directed back to FIGS. 17 and 17A. The housing body 402includes a seal shelf 490 against which surface 468 x of sealarrangement 468 is compressed, during sealing. Attention is directed tothe enlarged view of FIG. 17A, in which seal surface or shoulder 490 isviewable. Surface 490 includes an optional central seal rib 495 thereon,against which seal surface 468 x is pressed, to facilitate sealing. Sealrib 495 in the example depicted, is a continuous rib extendingcompletely around the media pack, in surface 490, when the cartridge isinstalled. The rib 495 can be discontinuous if possible. A typical ribwill be on the order of 0.2-2 mm high in relief relative to adjacentportions of the shelf 490. Usable such ribs are described, for example,in WO 2016/105560 and WO 2014/210541, incorporated herein by reference.

Also, viewable in FIG. 17A is projection 495 on the housing body,extending into receiver recess 491 on the cartridge 430. Further, andstill referring to FIG. 17A, one can see where tip 497 of the accesscover 403 would press against the seal arrangement 468 to cause sealingpressure.

In general, the housing body 402 will be configured so that sealingshelf 490 is contoured in a manner that mates with the contoured sealingsurface 468 x; and, so that any surrounding outer wall of the housingbody 402 is configured to mate with any recess arrangement 468 r in theperimeter of the sealing arrangement 468. In FIG. 13, a perimeterportion of the housing body 401 at 401 p is shown pressed inwardly tomate with such a recess 468 r. Such a feature can be molded into thehousing body 402 when formed.

D. Assembly of the Main Filter Cartridge 430, FIGS. 23-25A, Generally

From a review of FIGS. 23-25A, an approach to manufacturing a cartridgeanalogous to cartridge 430 will be understood. This can be in generalaccord with related descriptions in WO 2016/105560 and WO 2014/210541,incorporated herein by reference. Further, some preferred features willbe understood.

Referring first to FIG. 24, an exploded perspective view of cartridge430 is depicted. Attention is first directed to media pack 460. Theexample media pack 460 is, generally, an oval shaped media pack havingopposite curved (typically semi-circular) ends 460 e; and, oppositesides 460 s extending therebetween. The particular oval configurationdepicted, is sometimes referred to herein as a “racetrack oval” sincethe opposite sides 460 s include central straight sections 460 c, thatare generally parallel to on another. Such media packs can be configuredusing coiled arrangements discussed above in connection with FIG. 6, butalternate media choices can be used. It is noted that alternatives tooval shapes can be used with principles according to the presentdisclosure. However, in many applications, the principles will beapplied with (racetrack shaped) oval arrangements having a long axis anda short axis perpendicular to the long axis, with a ratio of the longaxis to the short axis being at least 1.4, often at least 1.5 andtypically within the range of 1.8-3.0.

The media, when it comprises a coil of media, may be provided with apreformed center core, or it may be provided without such a core, forexample in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,786, incorporated herein byreference.

Still referring to FIG. 24, attention is directed to preform 500, in theexample comprising shell 480. By the term “preform” herein, it is meantthat the referenced component is formed prior to construction of thecartridge 430 and is then used as a component 500 in the construction ofthe cartridge 430. The particular preform 500 depicted includes aperipheral perimeter sidewall or section 501 that surrounds the media ormedia pack 460; and, a radially outwardly extending peripheralprojection 505 which is embedded in the seal arrangement 465 when thecartridge 430 is formed. The projection 505 is discussed further hereinbelow.

In FIG. 24, a second preform 510 is also depicted, which is separatefrom (first) preform 500 and includes the handle member 475, theperiphery 475 x, and grid work 476, previously discussed. The preform510 also includes optional axial spacer projections 511 that extend intothe seal arrangement 465 when the seal member 468 is molded. Theprojections 511 operate, during assembly, as spacers to properlyposition the preform 510 relative to preform 500 in the mold. Withrespect to this, attention is directed to FIG. 21B, in which selectedspacers 511 are shown abutting projection 505.

From this description of FIG. 21B, it will be understood that theprojections 511 can be used, as the cartridge 430 is assembled, toproperly position the two preforms (represented by the handle preform510 and the shell preform 500) adjacent one another in the mold whileleaving resin flow space therebetween. Of course, the projections 511might not engage projection 505 where projections 505 has a dip ormodification in it, such as where a projection 469 is located, asdiscussed below.

At 468, the seal member is depicted, in FIG. 24. This would not be apreformed component, but typically would be molded-in-place once: themedia pack 460; first preform 500; and, the second preform 510 areproperly positioned in a mold. In a typical approach to construction,the seal arrangement 488 would include a portion molded directly to andsurrounding the media 460, to form a seal therewith. It would then havethe projections 511 extending therein, as well as tip 510 t of preform510, FIG. 12B.

Typically, the seal arrangement 468 will be molded from a flowableresin. A variety of materials, that can be provided in an uncuredflowable form, which will then cure to a structure retaining its shape,but sufficiently which is compressible to operate as seal member, areknown. Examples are described in WO 2014/210541 and WO 2016/105560,incorporated herein by reference and which are discussed below.

Still referring to FIG. 24, it is noted that a perimeter shape ofsidewall 480 s of shell 480 is not a perfect perimeter match to the ovalperimeter shape of media pack 460. Rather, the depicted perimeter 480 sgenerally comprises some relatively straight sections. Of course, shellside 480 s could be made oval to mate with oval media pack 460. However,the example of FIG. 24 shows that alternatives are possible. Spacebetween the media pack 460 and the sidewall 480 s would generally befilled (adjacent an end having projection 505 therein) by resin havingflowed between the shell 480 and the media pack 460 at this location.Alternately stated, when the resin that forms arrangement 468 is pouredinto the mold, it will typically be positioned to flow against andengage the media pack 460. This can be seen, for example, in FIG. 21B at468 z.

In FIG. 25, an exploded perspective view of cartridge 430 taken towardthe outlet end is shown. Features previously described are indicated,generally, as follows: first preform 500; media 460; molded sealarrangement 465; and, second preform 510.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, peripheral projection 505 on preform 500 isdepicted. The particular projection 505 shown, includes peripheral resin(or resin flow) recesses 505 r therein (FIG. 25A) into which resin canflow during molding of the arrangement 468. This can help secure thecomponents together. The receiver arrangement can (alternatively)comprise a plurality of apertures through flange 505. However, in theexample depicted, it comprises a plurality of resin flow recesses, eachhaving a T-shape, and each with a wide section 505 w radially inwardlyfrom an outer edge, and narrow end or neck 505 n. These can be seen, forexample, in FIG. 25A, with wide T-tips 505 and narrow necks 505 n. Asthe resin flows into flange 505, it will help secure the resulting inseal arrangement 468 from being pulled away from the preform 500 (or thepreform 500 from being pulled away from the seal arrangement 468).Typically and preferably, the wide sections 505 w are at least 30% widerthan the narrower necks 505 n.

E. Example Preferred Contour Features in Seal Arrangement 468, FIGS.21-21B

1. General

As described above, in the example cartridge 430 depicted, the housingseal arrangement 468 has: an axial pinch seal sealing surface 468 xconfigured with a projection/recess contour; and, an outer perimeter 468p with a perimeter recess arrangement 468 r therein. In this section,some example dimensions and features of typical preferred arrangementsare provided. Alternatives are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 21A, a selected projection 469 x, 469 y, inthe projection arrangement 469 is sometimes referred to herein as a“step.” Again, it is noted that the particular seal arrangement 468depicted, includes two steps 469 (469 x, 469 y) one aligned with each ofthe opposite sides of the cartridge 430. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 21A,in the example each of the steps 469 x, 469 y is a “single step”, i.e.each does not itself include multiple steps. Alternatives are possible,for example such as those described in, WO 2014/210541, incorporatedherein by reference.

2. Seal Symmetry

In this section, features of symmetry/asymmetry are discussed withrespect to the housing seal arrangement 465. A variety of possibilitiescan be practiced with the techniques described herein.

A first characterized concept with respect to seal symmetry, isrotational symmetry. Rotational symmetry, as discussed herein, issymmetry in rotation around an axis that extends through a center of thecartridge 430, in the direction between the opposite flow ends (432,433) or flow faces (461, 462). It can be characterized as a central axisaround which the housing seal arrangement 465 extends. A seal memberhousing or seal arrangement 485 (or seal member 468) has rotationalsymmetry, specifically 180° rotational symmetry, if it can be rotated180° and align with itself. Examples of rotational symmetry or 180°rotational symmetry, in the seal arrangement 465, is provided forexample, by the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20-23A.

Planar symmetry or asymmetry can also (or as an alternative) be definedfor the housing seal arrangement 465 or seal member 468. In general, forarrangements that have a long cross-sectional axis and a shortercross-sectional axis, (perpendicular) generally the longer axis planewould be a plane through the center of the housing seal arrangement 468in long-dimension; and, a short-dimension (axis) plane would be a planethrough the short dimension at a center of, and perpendicular to, thelong dimension. With respect to any defined plane, planar symmetry wouldbe a situation in which the housing seal arrangement defines a mirrorimage, in shape, on an opposite side of the plane from a first side.With asymmetry, there would be no such mirror image.

An example of long-dimension planar symmetry, in the seal arrangement465 (or seal arrangement 469), is provided, for example, in theembodiment of FIGS. 20-23A. Short-dimension planar symmetry, in the sealarrangement 465 (or seal member 469), is also shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 20-23A.

Thus, a seal arrangement 468 can have both long-dimension planarsymmetry and a short-dimension planar symmetry. Another alternatearrangement can have long-dimension planar symmetry and short dimensionplanar asymmetry. An alternate arrangement can have long-dimensionasymmetry and short dimension symmetry. An arrangement can be asymmetricwith respect to each of a long-dimension plane and a short dimensionplane.

Any of the variety of arrangements in variations characterized herein,can be applied with any of the types of symmetries or asymmetriescharacterized. The selected symmetries/asymmetries features with respectto rotational and the two planar definitions can be used in a variety ofways to advantage.

For example, 180° rotational symmetry can be used to allow that acartridge can be rotated in either of a two orientations duringinstallation, which can be convenient in some applications. On the otherhand, if it is desired to allow for only one rotation, for example tomanage a possible MAFS (mass air flow sensor) issue or other issues,this can be accommodated as well by providing no such rotationalsymmetry. Further, the combination of symmetry/asymmetrycharacterizations can be used to provide a unique appearing cartridgewith respect to any selected system. This can facilitate servicing, i.e.recognition of the appropriate service part for the system of concern.

It is noted that the seal arrangement 465 is not oval, in perimetershape, although oval shapes could be used. Rather, the particularperimeter shape of the seal arrangement 465 is one which generallycorresponds to surrounding portions of the housing body 402. This willbe typical. Alternatives, of course, are possible.

3. Example Seal Step Definition(s)

In the example embodiment characterized herein, the contoured axialsurface section of the projection/receiver housing axial sealarrangement, is shown as having a contour (i.e. stepped or step)configuration. In general terms, each contoured section (in the exampleprojections 469) within a contoured surface, will have a tip that tendsto not extend over more than about 200 mm (dimension AA, FIG. 21),typically not more than about 180 mm, and usually not more than 150 mm,in extension along a periphery or perimeter of the media 460. Typically,within a stepped region, each step has a non-contoured (flat) section ortip extending at least 10 mm, and usually at least 30 mm, often at least40 mm, in many instances within the range of 40-120 mm.

Typically, each step 469, FIG. 21 in maximum axial direction relief froman immediately adjacent portions of the housing seal surface 468 x,extends at least 3 mm, often at least 4 mm, typically at least 5 mm,usually not more than 12 mm, and in many applications, within the rangeof 4-10 mm, inclusive. This is represented by dimension AB, FIGS. 21 and21A. By “immediately adjacent” and variants thereof, as used herein,reference is meant to a feature in the construction that is adjacent tothe other feature characterized. Thus, an immediately adjacent housingseal surface 468 x to each step 469, is a non-contoured surface portionof the housing seal surface 468 x next to where each step 469 ispositioned.

Generally, and referring to FIG. 21, an angle (indicated at AC, FIG. 21)of extension of a straight transition section to a first step section orother flat tip section of the seal arrangement is within the range ofabout 95°-150°, typically 120°-150°, with a radius of curvature at eachend being non-sharp, to facilitate engagement with the housing surface.These angles are indicated at AC, FIG. 21. Preferably the radius ofcurvature where the transition section engages a flat perimeter section(either one of the steps or a non-contoured portion of the adjacentaxial seal surface) has a radius of at least 2 mm, usually within therange of 2-10 mm, often within the range of 4-8 mm, inclusive. In someinstances, it can be characterized as having a radius of at least 8 mm,and can be quite large. The issues relating to the radius of curvatureat the similar sizes of the transition ends (not too sharp a radius soas to inhibit sealing) is different than issues control the radius ofcurvature at the larger end of the range. It should typically besufficiently large for good sealing, but not so large that undesirableextra length of perimeter is needed to manage the transition. Examplesof these ends of transition sections are shown at Z, FIG. 21A.

It is also noted that when the peripheral perimeter edge 468 p has oneor more peripheral recesses 468 r toward the media 460, the contours orrecess 468 r will have end transition regions 468 t (FIG. 21A) wherethey engage the non-contoured portion of the edge. Typically, the radiusof curvature at these locations should be within the range of 2-6 mm,inclusive for convenient transitions.

Typically, each peripheral recess 468 r has a maximum amount of recessrelative to immediate end; and, outermost portions of the perimeter 468p of at least 0.4 mm, typically not more than 3 mm, and often within therange of 0.5-2 mm, although alternatives are possible.

Typically, when the regions 469 are stepped, for example ascharacterized in FIG. 21A, the stepped tip portion 469 t (FIG. 21A) ofeach projection has a non-contoured tip portion 468 t in a planegenerally parallel to the non-contoured surface section of thenon-contoured portion of the same axial seal surface, with the planesseparated by at least 2 mm, usually at least 3 mm, sometimes at least 4mm. In some instances, it can be quite large. This is the planeseparation indicated at AB, FIG. 21A.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, it is noted that the overall sealarrangement 468 has an outer perimeter with a thickness (axialdirection) typically of no greater than 50 mm, usually at least 15 mm,and often within the range of 15-40 mm, although alternatives arepossible. This is indicated at dimension TH, FIG. 21A. It is noted thatthere will be a variation in axial thickness between the portions withthe steps 469 and portions without. This difference, of course, is aheight of maximum relief dimension of the steps 469.

Referring to the example of FIGS. 21-21A, the seal surface 468 x can becharacterized as having “projection” sections 469; and, non-projectionor non-contoured transition sections therebetween. Typically, the totalperimeter length represented by the projection sections is relativelyshort by comparison to a total extension of the surface 468 x.Typically, the projection sections 469 when measured in this manner, intotal comprise no more than 50% of the total perimeter extension of theseal surface 468 x in which they are positioned, usually no more than40%; and often no more than 30%, and in some instances, even less.

While a variety of materials can be used to form the molded-in-placeseal portion 468, typically the materials will be sufficient soft andresilient to the contouring of the surface 468 can fully engage housingfeatures in a sealing manner. Typically, a foamed polyurethane materialor similar foam material will be used. Examples of usable materials areones that can be molded to an as molded density (desirable for providingsealing) of typically no greater than 450 kg/cm³, usually no greaterthan 355 kg/cm³; and, often no greater than 290 kg/cm³, for example190-300 kg./cm³. Typically, it will be molded to a hardness, Shore A, ofno greater 40, typically no greater than 30; and, often greater than 22,for example 10-20. A variety of usable materials can be obtained fromresin suppliers.

From a review of the above characterized process, and in the generalconfiguration of housing seal arrangement 465, one can understand why itis advantageous to include axial alignment between the contouredsections 469 (in surface 468 x) and edge projection/recess contoursections 468 r. A reason for this is that edge recess sections 468 rmake the housing seal arrangement 465 thinner (in cross-dimensionperpendicular to air flow) and thus can facilitate resin volumemanagement in the mold creating the contoured projections 469.Alternately stated, a resin volume reduction provided by recesses 468 rcan be accompanied by a resin volume expansion resulting from projectionsections 469. This will be typical and advantageous, but is not requiredin all applications of the techniques described herein.

In more general terms, a projection member of a projection/recesscontour on a axial sealing surface can be characterized as having a flowdirection cross-dimensional area of A₁. In some instances, the housingseal arrangement will also be configured so that in a non-contouredsection, the flow direction cross-dimension area would be area A₂, witha A₁ being substantially similar to A₂ (in this context, substantiallysimilar meaning A₁=0.9-1.1 A₂). Typically, the two sections will beshaped with a cross-section area as would be A₁=0.92-1.08 A₂,preferably, A₁=0.95-1.05 A₂. Herein, the term “flow directioncross-sectional dimension” or similar terms are meant to refer to across-section in a plane parallel to the direction between the oppositeflow ends of the cartridge. A₁ would be the cross-sectional area takenthrough a maximum portion of projection; and, A₂ would be across-sectional area taken through a portion of the seal arrangementthat does not have a contour therein. These are described in WO2016/105560 and WO 2014/210541, incorporated herein by reference. Ofcourse, alternatives are possible.

F. Features Relating to the Receiver Recess 491; and/or Inhibition ofUndesired Roll or Deformation in the Seal Surface 468 x

1. General

Referring again to FIG. 22, attention is directed to the projectioncontours 469 (469 x, 469 y). It can be seen that these are regions ofthe seal surface 468 x that extend further toward cartridge end 433 (ormedia end 462) than adjacent portions of the surface 468 x. As a resultof these projections 469, corresponding molded seal portions can have atendency to deform during handling and installation, for example byrolling inwardly in a direction indicated by arrows 520, FIG. 22. It isdesired to provide the cartridge 430 with features to inhibit anyundesirable deformation or roll of this type. Features of the cartridge430 that are provided to facilitate this, can be understood from thefollowing.

The example preferred cartridge 430 is provided with a preform having aseal deformation inhibition projection arrangement thereon, whichextends into the molded resin of the seal arrangement 465 at a locationin perimeter alignment with the contoured projection(s) 469 (469 x, 469y), and in a position to help stabilize the projections 469 againstundesirable roll or deformation.

In the particular cartridge 430 depicted, the preform arrangement inwhich such a deformation inhibition projection arrangement is providedis the preform 500 (in the example comprising the shell 480); and, inparticular, the deformation arrangement is provided in peripheralprojection 505. This can be understood from a review of FIGS. 24-25A.

In particular, and referring to FIG. 24, peripheral projection 505 ofpreform 500 includes sections 505 x and 505 r. Sections 505 r arerecessed portions in the projection 505 (relative to sections 505 x) andare located, in the perform 500, in perimeter alignment with where thecontoured projections 469 (469 x, 469 y) will be located in the moldedseal arrangement 465 (seal member 468). These sections 505 r arerecessed (from sections 505 x) toward downstream end 462 of the mediapack 460 (or end 433 of the cartridge 430). As a result of theirconfiguration, they (sections 505 r) are engage the molded-in-place sealarrangement 465 at a location further toward tips of the projections 469x, 469 y than are other portions 505 x of the projection 505. This willhelp provide support against roll or deformation of the type describedabove. With respect to this, it is noted that it is not necessary thatthe recesses 505 r extend into the actual projections 469 at locationslower than remaining (non-projecting) portions of surface 468 x. Thischoice can be a matter of convenience for assembly. Typically, eachrecess 505 r will be at least 2 mm deep, usually at least 3 mm deep andoften within the range of 3-10 mm deep, relative to a tip of the preform500 represented by sections 505 x.

It is noted that the particular preform 500 depicted, includes shell480. However, the technique can be practiced in arrangements in whichthe associated preform does not extend all the way along the length ofthe media 460 (as does shell 480) but rather is positioned adjacentmedia end 461 where the seal member 465 is positioned. That is, as analternative to preform 500, a preform can be used which extends aroundthe media pack and provides for projection 505 (with sections 505 x, 505r) but does not provide side extensions that extend the complete lengthof the media pack 460.

Referring to FIG. 24, it is noted that the projection 505, with sections505 x, 505 r, is generally configured to mimic a shape of surface 468 x,with projection sections 469 thereon. This is typical, but not required.For example, although the recess sections 505 r have approximately thesame perimeter length and shape as the projections 468 x, for perimeteralignment along a flow length of each, stabilization against roll ordeformation can be managed with smaller sections 505 r.

There is also no specific requirement that the arrangement whichprovides inhibition of roll, be a portion of flange 505. It can comprisealternate projections in a preform in an appropriate location, ifdesired.

It is also noted that section 505 r can be characterized as “projection”when viewed as a portion of the preform 505 projecting toward an outletend or flow face 433 of the cartridge 430.

It is also noted that the flange 505 can be positioned to help preventdeformation or roll in portions of the seal arrangement 468 whereprojections 469 are not located. This is facilitated by having theflange 505 located as far down toward surface 468 x as possible. In theexample depicted, flange 505 is located at an end of recess 491, asdiscussed below. This will be useful for the anti-deformative purposes,but some advantage can be obtained even without such a location.

Typically and preferably, when the projection arrangement 505 ispositioned to help inhibit roll, or undesired deformation, it ispositioned in engagement with the seal member 468 at a location within20 mm of edge 468 x, usually within 15 mm of such an edge, and oftenwithin about 12 mm of such an edge. Alternatives are possible, however.

2. Features in the Housing to Accommodate the Modified Projection 505(with Recesses 505 r)

In FIGS. 26-31B, detail is shown which helps provide an understanding ofthe receiver recess 491 in interaction with the housing 401. In FIG. 26,a side elevational view analogous to FIG. 13 (but without the accesscover 403) is shown with cross-section lines indicating FIGS. 27-31.From a review of FIG. 26, it will be understood that cross-sectionalline 27-27 would be taken approximately midway through a projection 469and recess 468 r in the cartridge 430. In FIG. 28, it is taken throughthe projection 469 and recess 468 r at locations closer to anon-recessed portion. FIG. 29 is through the seal arrangement 465approximately where the projection 469 and recess end 468 r are located.FIGS. 30 and 31 are taken through the non-contoured portions of sealarrangement 465.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 27A, a partially exploded view is depicted.Again, the access cover (403, FIG. 13) has been removed. The cartridge430 is shown during installation, but not fully installed. Again, thecross-section is taken approximately through a middle of the axialprojections 469 x, 469 y and the peripheral recesses 468 r. It can beseen that the shelf 490 is positioned with a central rib 495, FIG. 27A,to press into axial seal surface portion 468 x of the seal 468.Referring to FIGS. 27 and 27A, it can be seen that the seal projections469 x, 469 y are positioned to be pushed into the recesses 490 r in theshelf 490. Further, it can be seen that the housing projection 496 ispositioned to project into the receiver recess 491. The housingperipheral projection 401 p is positioned to push into the peripheralperimeter recesses 468 r, when the cartridge 430 is fully installed.

Note that housing projection 496 is relatively short at this location,and is not much higher in projection than rib 495, and accommodatessections 505 r, referenced above. This will contrast with certain otherportions of projection 496 viewable in later figures.

In FIG. 27B, a view analogous to FIG. 27A is shown, except with thecartridge 430 fully installed.

Attention is also directed to FIGS. 27-27B to region 468 z ofmolded-in-place resin material 468, which shows where that materialengages the media pack 460 to provide sealing therearound.

By review of the progression of FIGS. 26-31B, one can see how variousfeatures in the housing 402 and cartridge 430 are configured toaccommodate recesses in the shelf 490 and projections 469 in the housingseal arrangement 468. It can be seen that in particular that housingprojection 496 is shortest where the contour projections 469 arelongest, and housing projection 496 extends further in recess 491 atlocations where the contour projections 469 are not present. This is notspecifically required, but can be advantageous. It is also noted thatthere is no specific requirement that the projection 496 be continuous,but it typically will be in preferred arrangements.

3. Comments Regarding the “Contoured” Preform Projection Surface

It is noted that in the resulting cartridge 430, the preform projectionsurface 505 can be characterized as being a “contoured” preformprojection surface. This can be understood, for example, by reference toFIG. 23A. FIG. 23A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generallyalong line 23A-23A, FIG. 21.

In FIG. 23A, one can view, in the cross-section, the receiver recess491. Projection 505 on preform 500 traverses that recess between theseal arrangement 465, and a portion of preform 500 surrounding the mediapack 460. At 469 x, 469 y, projections in the seal surface 468 x can beseen projecting toward the viewer. It can also be seen that aligned (ina perimeter or peripheral fashion) with these sections are provided theperipheral recesses 468 r. Further, sections 505 r in the preformprojection 505 can be seen projecting toward the viewer in alignmentwith these same sections 469 x, 469 y.

In general, terms, then, in the particular cartridge 430 depicted,supporting projection or flange 505 traverses the receiver recess 491,but has a non-planar configuration; i.e. a projection/recess contourconfiguration; with a contour shape in alignment with theprojection/recess contour of the seal arrangement 465.

It is noted that in the depiction, molded seal material is not shownextending beneath projection 505, see for example FIG. 27A. This istypical, but not required in all instances. In more general terms, it isnot required that the resin flow completely through (to projectiondownwardly from) the various apertures or spacers in the perimeterprojection 505 of the preform 500 during resin cure, in an axialdirection. This can be done, but is not specifically required.

Herein, in this section, and elsewhere, reference is sometimes made tofeatures being “in alignment”, “in perimeter alignment”, “in peripheralalignment” or by similar terms. Examples are such as alignment betweenthe perimeter recesses 468 r and contour projections 469 x, 469 y; and,alignment involving these features and the recess 504 r in the perimeterprojection 505 of the preform 500. In this context, “alignment” andsimilar terms are meant to refer to a peripheral or perimeter alignmentwith one another, (perpendicular to axial) i.e. in alignment with oneanother or in overlap with another in extension toward the media pack460.

IV. Some General and Optional Precleaner Features; FIGS. 32-34

As indicated previously, the particular access cover 403 depicted,optionally comprises an optional precleaner assembly 410. Generalfeatures and operation of a preferred precleaner assembly 410 can beunderstood from reference to FIGS. 32-34.

In FIG. 32, a partially exploded view of air cleaner 400 is depicted. Inparticular, the precleaner 410 is shown separated from the air cleanerbody 402, which includes filter cartridge 430 therein.

Referring to FIG. 32, the precleaner 410 as previously indicated,generally comprises an outer section or cover 410 a and an inner sectionor cover 410 b, normally secured to one another but shown exploded inFIG. 32. The outer cover 410 a depicted, includes a perimeter mountingflange 601, which is aligned within end 402 e of the housing body 402during installation, with securement by latches 418, as previouslydiscussed. In some instances, a weather seal member (not shown) such asan o-ring seal can be positioned between the access cover 403 and thehousing body 402.

In FIG. 32A, an enlarged fragmentary view of section 601 with flow tubeinlet ends 603 i is depicted. In FIG. 33, an exploded perspective viewopposite that of FIG. 32, i.e. taken toward an inner portion of section601 is viewed. Reference is made to three figures in the generaldescription following.

The outer cover 410 a, FIG. 33, includes an array 602 of flow separator(inlet) tubes 603 therein, (having the referenced inlet or inlet ends603 i, FIG. 32A). The inlet tubes 603 can be preformed and, for example,can be press-fit into apertures in the cover 601 during assembly. Ingeneral, each separator inlet tube 603 includes an upstream inlet end603 i, FIG. 32A, into which air (to be filtered) entering the aircleaner assembly 400 passes. In or adjacent to the end 603 i, each inlettube 603 includes a vane arrangement 604, FIG. 32A, configured to import(direct) a cyclonic flow for the inlet air. The inlet tubes 603generally each include an end 603 x (FIG. 33) opposite the inlet end 603i. Each separator tube end 603 x includes a side (cyclonic outlet) slot603 c through which contaminant (dust, particulate contamination ejectoror water) separated by cyclonic flow in the flow separator arrangement,exits the tubes 603 for eventual ejection through housing contaminationejection port arrangement 426, FIG. 16.

The inner cover 410 b, FIGS. 32 and 33 includes a perimeter (outer) wall606 and a central tube sheet section 607. The perimeter wall 606 extendsaround an outer portion of the precleaner 410, and engages the outercover 410 a. The perimeter (outer) wall 606 also includes pressureflange or tip 403 t thereon, in the example depicted.

In more general, terms, the access cover 403 includes an inner perimetertip or flange 403 t that projects into the housing sufficiently far, toengage the filter cartridge 430, via the housing seal arrangement 465.That flange 403 is generally an innermost end of an inner perimetershield or cover provided by wall 606.

A tube sheet section 607 extends across the perimeter wall 606. Itincludes a plurality of outlet tubes, examples indicated at 610. Aselected one of these tubes 610 extends toward one each (selected) inlettube 603, and receives flow of air that has entered that inlet tube 603and allows that air to pass through the tube sheet 607 to an interior401 i (FIG. 32) of the housing 401, and eventually to the cartridge 430.Typically, the outlet tubes 510 are molded (formed) integral with theremainder of the inner cover 410 b, but alternatives are possible.

The inner cover 410 b would typically be made or molded separately fromthe outer cover 410 a and be secured thereto. A variety of securingapproaches can be used, including snap-fit or alternates. In theexample, such a snap-fit is provided by loop projections 615 on section410 a which would engage projections 616 on section 410 b. In someinstances, the two sections 410 a, 410 b may be secured together in amanner that there cannot be supported. In other applications it may bedesirable to configure them to allow disassembly for servicing orinternal cleaning.

In more general terms, the precleaner assembly 410 can include asnap-fit arrangement between the inner cover 410 b and the outer cover410 a. The snap-fit arrangement, in general, comprises a componentpositioned on each. In the example depicted, the component positioned onthe inner cover 410 b, is a projection arrangement 616; and, the memberpositioned on the outer cover 410 a comprises a loop arrangement 615 forengagement with projections 416.

In FIG. 33A, a view directed toward an interior surface 601 i of section601 is shown. Here, it can be seen that the array inlet of flow tubes603 can be seen as oriented in various rows in the long dimension,corresponding to rows R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively. The viewdepicted, is generally taken toward the orientation shown in FIG. 33.Referring to FIG. 33, row R1 would comprise flow tubes 603 a, 603 b, 603c and 603 d. Row R2 would comprise flow tube 603 e, 603 f, 603 g and 603h. Row R3 would comprise tubes 603 j, 603 k, 6031, and 604 m; and, rowR4 would comprise tubes 603 n, 603 o, 603 p, and 603 q.

In the example depicted, the various rows R1, R2, R3 and R4 arevertically oriented rows, in the air cleaner used. This is referencedfurther below.

In the example, depicted, the various flow tubes 603 are positioned withthe inlet section 603 of each with vanes 603 v oriented to spin incomingair in a counter-clockwise manner when viewed from the interior(clockwise when viewed from the exterior, FIG. 32A). This is representedby arrows F, FIG. 33A. In general, rows R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be viewedas separated into a “first set 640” comprising rows R1 and R2 and asecond set 641 (comprising rows R3, R4).

In FIG. 34, an exterior view of the air cleaner assembly 400 is shown,with the access cover 403 positioned thereon. It can be seen that thetubes 603, when viewed from the exterior, are oriented so that the vanemoves the air into a clockwise spin from the exterior (counterclockwisewhen viewed from the interior of FIG. 33).

To facilitate this, the array of inlet tubes positioned with a side dustejector slots 603 c of each oriented in a preferred manner. This will beunderstood from reference to FIGS. 33 and 33A.

Referring to FIG. 33, in general, each ejector slot 603 c in each inlettube 603 is oriented to extend across a portion of the tubecorresponding to an arc of about 150°-190°. Typically, each will beoriented directed upwardly or directed downwardly, depending on in whichdirection the dust is to be ejected for that particular tube. Typically,dust will exit toward a downstream end of the opening, relative tocyclonic flow, somewhat tangentially to the curve of the correspondingtube. For example, and referring to FIG. 33A, for tube 603 a with dustswirling counter-clockwise (when viewed from the interior as shown inFIG. 33A, the dust will eject from tube 603 a in the general directionof arrow Q) and dust will eject from tube 603 n in the general directionof arrow R.

In FIG. 33A, attention is directed to center line Z. A center line Zthrough an array of tubes 603 is generally a vertical line that would becentered in the housing in alignment with the dust ejector port 426. Ona side of the center line Z, the tube will comprise a set oriented todirect dust away from the center line Z. Thus, the tubes of rows R1 andR2 are set to direct dust in the general direction of arrow Q, and thetubes of R3 and R4 generally are set to direct dust in the direction ofarrow R. This will facilitate dust ejection and eventual movement toejector port 426.

It is noted that similar principles could be applied if the array oftubes 603 was positioned with a longer axis horizontal. Again, one couldorganize the tubes into sets on opposite sides of an appropriate centerline, and then orient the openings in the tube for ejection of dust, ifdesired.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 34. It is noted that the sidewall(606, FIG. 33) of the inner section 410 b would typically have anaperture therein for dust ejected by the tubes 603, to pass through thewall 606 into ejector 426. Such an aperture would typically be locatedin a portion of the wall 606 upstream from tube 607, FIG. 33.

The above described general principles for the precleaner 410 aregenerally in accord with those described in WO 2016/105560, incorporatedherein by reference and similar principles can be used.

V. Some Additional Variations in Features of Interest and Applicability,FIGS. 35-41

In general, many of the features discussed thus far relate tocontrolling undesirable deformation (roll) in certain types of pinchseal arrangements. In this section of the disclosure, example variationsin selected cartridges using such features are shown. In addition, someuseful variations in air cleaner assemblies and filter cartridges, thatcan be implemented independently of whether the cartridge has suchanti-deformation (anti-roll) features, are described.

In FIGS. 35-41, example variations as characterized in the previousparagraph are provided. In these figures, features analogously depictedor positioned, or described as having analogous purposes, to featuresdescribed in connection with previous embodiments, can be characterizedusing similar language terms and are subject to being used withanalogous detail, variations and other variables previously described,accounting for differences depicted.

1. Application of the Anti-Deformation Feature in the Context ofCircular Media Pack

Herein above, selected features of the filter cartridge usable inconnection with certain pinch seal arrangements that have a tendency todeform (roll) during installation were disclosed and described. In FIG.35, such features are depicted in the presence of a circular media pack.The applicability of such features to circular media packs wasreferenced previously, FIG. 35 merely providing an example.

Referring to FIG. 35, at 730, a filter cartridge is depicted. Many ofthe features of the cartridge 730 are analogous to cartridge 430previously described, except in the context of a media pack having acircular shape.

Thus, cartridge 730 includes a media pack 731 (having media 731 m)therein, having a circular cross-sectional shape. The media pack 731,may be, for example, a coiled arrangement of media comprising a flutedsheet and a facing sheet secured together in general, in accord with thedescriptions above for FIGS. 1-6. Alternative media types can be used,including variations in referenced media herein above.

In FIG. 35, the media pack 731 is depicted schematically, and detail isnot shown. When the media pack comprises a coil of media, for example,it may include a central plug or seal therein, for example in accordwith U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,886, incorporated herein by reference. Further,individual flutes, if used, may include end features, etc., as describedpreviously herein.

The cartridge 730, then, generally comprises a media pack 731 positionedin extension between a first (inlet) flow end (or face) 731 a and asecond, opposite (outlet) flow end (or face) 731 b. Thus, analogously tocartridge 430, the cartridge 730 has a straight through flowconstruction.

Also, analogously to cartridge 430, the cartridge 730 includes a housingseal arrangement 765 thereon. The housing seal arrangement 765 generallycomprises a housing seal member 766 secured to a remainder of the filtercartridge 730 in a manner, and at a location, such that it can form areleasable seal with an air cleaner housing in use. To facilitate this,the seal member 766 will typically be a resilient material analogous tothat described above for seal member 466; and, except for modificationto accommodate the circular shape in the media pack 731, seal member 766can be secured in place using techniques and features as previouslydescribed, if desired.

As with seal member 466, seal member 766, in the example overall housingseal arrangement 765 depicted, is configured and positioned as a pinchseal (or axial pinch seal) 768. Thus, it extends around a perimeter ofthe cartridge 730 in a position that it can pinched between two housingcomponents (analogously to cartridge 430) under sealing pressure duringuse.

Still referring to FIG. 35, the filter cartridge 730 depicted includes apreform 775 x having an optional handle arrangement 775 thereon, in theexample oriented adjacent the cartridge inlet end 731 a and having ahandle bridge 775 b projecting therefrom in a direction away from theoutlet end 731 b. This positions and orients the handle arrangement 735where it can be readily grasped to manage servicing of an air cleanersuch as air cleaner 700, FIG. 37, with which cartridge 730 can be used.

The preform 775 x and handle arrangement 775 may be, but for specificshape, analogous to the preform and handle arrangement 475, describedabove.

It is noted that the cartridge 730 may optionally include grid work (notshown) as part of preform 775 x including handle arrangement 775,analogous to optional grid work 475 y, FIG. 20.

Still referring to FIG. 35, the depicted cartridge 730 includes anoptional protective shell 780, analogous to optional protective shell480 discussed above for cartridge 430. The particular shell 480 depictedextends at least from the seal arrangement 765 to media pack end 731 b,although alternatives are possible. It may include an optional grid (notdepicted) extending across end 731 b, analogous to cartridge 430. Theshell 780, in a typical application, would be analogous to shell 480,and thus can comprise a portion of a preformed molded plastic piece intowhich the media pack 731 would be positioned during assembly.

It is noted that the depicted shell 780 has a sidewall with a circularcross-section, matching the media pack 731. Alternatives are possible,and indeed the sidewall of the shell 780 may have a shape that does notmimic the shape of the media pack 731, for example analogously to theshell 480 discussed above.

Attention is directed to FIG. 36, in which cartridge 730 is depictedwith selected portions in exploded view. It is noted that in FIG. 36,the preform 775 x, with handle arrangement 775, is not shown explodedrelative to the seal 768.

Referring to FIG. 36, it is noted that the media pack 731 is depicted asa coil around a center 731 c, which center 731 c is closed to passage ofunfiltered air therethrough. Again, the typical approach would be tomold a center core in center 731 c in accord with U.S. Pat. No.7,967,886, referenced above.

Comparing FIGS. 35 and 36, it can be seen that the particular sealmember 766 depicted comprises an arrangement having a first, axiallydirected, axial (housing) seal surface 766 x and opposite second surface766 y. An outer perimeter 766 z of seal member 766 is also viewable. Theseal member 766 is a contoured pinch seal member, and optionallyincludes a perimeter projection/recess arrangement 770 and a pinch sealsurface projection/recess arrangement 771 analogous to arrangementspreviously described for cartridge 430. Options previously described forsuch arrangements can be used.

In the particular cartridge depicted, the projection/recess arrangement770 comprises four (in the example, evenly) spaced recesses 770 r, andthe axial pinch seal surface projection/recess arrangement 771 comprisesfour (in the example, evenly) spaced projections 771 p around aperimeter of the media pack 731 and a remainder of the cartridge 730.Alternatives are possible. For example, there can be alternative in thespacing among any projection/recesses; and/or, there can be variationsin the number of them.

In the example, and to advantage, the perimeter recesses 770 r are eachaligned with a seal surface projection 771 p; i.e. the seal member 766is axially aligned with these features, in accord with descriptionsprovided. Such a stepped arrangement can be as characterized previouslyherein, to advantage, but alternatives are possible.

As a result, the particular cartridge 730 does have 180° rotationalsymmetry with respect to the seal member 766. Indeed, it also has 90°symmetry, since the seal member will align with itself (or install) inany of four evenly radially spaced rotational orientations, with aproper seal surface and housing.

It is noted that the cartridge 730 can be provided with features asdescribed herein, facilitating implementation of the seal arrangement765 without deformation or roll problems. This can be understood byreference to FIG. 36, in which the protective preform 780 is shown witha perimeter projection 785 including features of the type previouslydescribed.

Of course, the cartridge 730 can be constructed as previously described,with the seal member 766 molded-in-place on: a first preform comprisingthe protective preform 786; and, a second preform, including the handlemember 775, embedded in the resulting seal arrangement 765; and, withthe molding engaging the media pack 731 as previously described. Asindicated previously, however, alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 37, air cleaner assembly 700 is depicted having a housing body701 and access cover 702. The housing depicted has an outlet arrangementat 703 and can be generally analogous to housing 401, FIG. 13 discussedabove, except configured to receive a circular cartridge instead of anoval one.

The air cleaner assembly 790 may include, in the access cover 702, inletfeatures and precleaner features, for example with evacuation outlet 706as previously described for earlier embodiments. Of course, theseparator tubes (not shown) would be oriented in an array to accommodatethe overall circular shape.

In sum, FIGS. 35-37 provide an example of how principles describedherein above can optionally be implemented in a cartridge having acircular cross-sectional shape as opposed to an oval one. Selectedfeatures and variations described herein in connection with: perimeterprojection/recess seal arrangements; contoured pinch seal surfaceprojection/seal arrangements; and, other cartridge features and housingfeatures can be implemented with cartridges and air cleaners otherwisein accord with FIGS. 35-37.

B. Example Variations in Features Allowing for a Portion of a PrecleanerArrangement to be Included on the Cartridge, FIGS. 38-41

Herein above, in connection with air cleaner assembly 400, a precleanerarrangement 410 is described comprising a plurality of precleaner orseparator tubes 411 positioned as part of an access cover. With respectto this, attention is directed to the description of FIGS. 14-17.

As indicated, an analogous precleaner can be used in the air cleanerassembly 700 discussed above in connection with FIG. 37. It is expectedthat for a circular shaped housing, the number of precleaner tubes 411and their orientation in the array of tubes would likely be varied forthe circular shape. However, the principles of operation would remainanalogous.

It is anticipated that in some instances, it may be desirable to includea portion of the precleaner secured to (i.e. integrated with) thecartridge, as opposed to being entirely positioned as part of thehousing. Examples of this can be understood by reference to FIGS. 38-41.

Referring first to FIG. 38, an air cleaner assembly 800 is depictedcomprising a housing 801 including a body portion 802 and a removableaccess cover 803. In the example depicted, the housing body 802 includesan air flow outlet arrangement 805 and the access cover 803 includes anair flow inlet arrangement 810, and a dust evacuator arrangement 820.

Referring to FIG. 38, the inlet arrangement 810 comprises an array ofprecleaner or separator tubes 811, which can be configured to operate aspreviously described for tubes 411, except as described herein. It isnoted that the particular array of tubes 811 is configured for acircular (media) arrangement as described further below.

The housing 800 is separable at joint 825, to install a cartridge withpositioning of a pinch seal of a main filter cartridge between the twocomponents 802, 803 with pressure secured by a closure arrangement, inthe example comprising latches 826. Alternatives are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 38, at 828 a mounting post arrangement ispositioned to help secure the air cleaner assembly in place on equipmentfor use. Alternative mounting arrangements and configurations ofmounting arrangements are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 38, at 829 adjacent outlet 805 a tap arrangement829 is provided, which can be used for a variety of equipmentarrangements, including, for example, a pressure indicator and/or a massair flow sensor (MAFS), etc.

In FIG. 39, an exploded perspective view of assembly 800 is depicted.Here, an internally received primary filter cartridge 830 is viewable.

Also depicted in FIG. 39 is an optional safety cartridge 860. Theoptional safety cartridge 861 may be configured to operate analogouslyto safety cartridge 435, FIG. 15, comprising: media 861, surrounded bypreform 862; seal member 863, and handle arrangement 864. Also depictedis a media spacer 867 which further can facilitate ensuring properspacing and positioning with respect to the main cartridge 830.

The cartridge 830 may be generally analogous to cartridge 730, except asindicated. In particular, the example cartridge 830 does not include theoptional handle arrangement 775 of cartridge 730, but rather includes aninlet preform 840 p comprising an optional (inlet) end cap 840 includingan array of separator tube sections 842 thereon. In general, the cap 840is closed to passage of air into a media pack of the cartridge 830,except by air passing through the separator tube sections 842. Theseparator tube sections 842 are configured to engage (insert into)selected ones of separator tube inlet sections 811 i in an arraypositioned within access cover 803 to form a separator tube inletprecleaner arrangement, for operation analogous to the precleanerpreviously described.

Still referring to FIG. 39, it is noted that the cartridge 830 includesa housing seal arrangement 870 analogous to seal arrangement 765.Alternatives are possible. Referring to FIG. 39, the housing body 802 ispositioned and configured adjacent end 802 e to receive four individualmembers of a projection/receiver arrangement associated therewith, in apinch seal arrangement 870. Thus, the cartridge 830 has 90° rotationalsymmetry for seal 870 since it can be positioned rotated in any one offour orientations, if and when equal shapes, and spacing, of theindividual pinch seal surface projection/recess members and peripheralprojection/recess members are used. Of course, it also has a 180°rotational symmetry.

The net result of the cartridge 830 being positionable within of fourrotational orientations, means that it would be preferred that the tubesections 842 also be oriented in an arrangement that can be aligned infour rotational orientations along with the cartridge 830 and still fitthe access cover 803. This is provided by the (in the example, +-shapedor plus-shaped) pattern of tube sections 842 and 811 i shown.

In FIG. 39A, an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 830 isdepicted. Again, the pinch seal member 870 can be generally analogous topinch seal member 766 discussed above. The same is true for the mediapack 831 and the protective cover 832. However, as discussed, instead ofhaving a handle member thereon. The cartridge 830 includes a preform 840p comprising a cap 840 having the various tube sections 842 describedpositioned thereon, and providing for flow passage of air through thecap 840, to the media.

It is noted that the preform 840 p could be provided with a handlemember of the general type previously described, in addition to the tubesections 842, if desired. All that generally would be required, besidesmolding the handle member, as part of the preform 840 p, would beensuring that the array of tube sections 842 on the cartridge in thehousing (as sections 811 i) are oriented to allow clearance for thehandle member.

In FIG. 40, a schematic cross-sectional view of air cleaner assembly 800taken generally along line 40-40, FIG. 39 is provided. The internallyreceived main filter cartridge 830 and safety filter cartridge 860 areviewable. (Note: gridwork 832 g on protective cover 832, extendingacross an outlet end of the media pack 831. Also, note center plug 831 pin media pack 831).

Separator or precleaner tubes 890 formed by tube sections 842 andprojecting into centrifugal dust separator sections 811 i are shown. InFIG. 40, selected inlet separator tubes of centrifugal dust separatorsections are shown removed to facilitate understanding. The separatortubes 890 that result from a combination of features 811 i and 842 canbe operated analogously to tubes previously described, except the cleanair receiver sections 842 are positioned (integrated with) on thecartridge 830, as opposed to on the housing inlet cover.

It is noted that tube sections 842 depicted generally have a circularouter perimeter and inner perimeter. Alternatives are possible. However,circular tube sections will be typical and preferred.

In general, the sum total of air flow open flow area provided by thetube sections 842 (in or through preform 840 p) relative to an edge(adjacent flow end) perimeter area identified by the adjacent media packend, should be sufficient for good air flow through the resultingcartridge without undesired restriction. Typically, the open arearepresented by the sum total of the tubes 842, will be: at least 5% ofan end area of the media pack adjacent the tube section 842; typicallyat least 10% of that end area; often at least 15% of that area. Whilealternatives are possible, typically openings provided by the tubesections 842 will not comprise more than about 50% of that area.

Spacing of the perimeter cap portion from the media pack end, indicatedat dimension N, FIG. 40, should be enough to ensure that the outlet flowfrom the tube sections 842 can be distributed well across the end faceof the media. A spacing of at least 5 mm, usually at least 8 mm, andsometimes 10 mm or more between the media and the inlet preform, will betypical, although alternatives are possible. Usually, an extremely largespacing is not preferred, for good space utilization. Thus, typicallythe total space dimension N, will be no more than 25 mm, and usuallyless, although alternatives are possible.

The principles of operation of a precleaner arrangement having a cap onan inlet end of the cartridge; which cap includes integrated clean airtubes positioned thereon, analogous to tubes 842 can be implemented in avariety or shapes of cartridges. In FIG. 41, an example is schematicallydepicted, of an oval cartridge arrangement 900, including a cap 901thereon having tube sections 902. Of course of alternative tube numbersand positions in an array can be used.

As indicated above, a variety of arrangements of tube sectionscorresponding to section 842, in a variety of arrangements of sectionscorresponding to sections 811 i, FIGS. 38-40 can be used. The particulararrangement is oriented such that if the tubes 842 are oriented in anyof four rotational orientations (rotationally 90° apart) they will stillmatch/mate with the array of tube sections 811 i. It will be typicalthat when tube sections are included on a cartridge, as described inconnection with the arrangements of FIGS. 38-41, the tube sections inthe cartridge will be in an array that will properly engage the array ofinlet tube sections to form separator tubes, in a number of orientationsthat correspond to the number of orientations in which the cartridgeseal arrangement can properly engage and seal to the correspondinghousing. Thus, for the arrangement of FIGS. 38-40, the seal arrangementallows for four rotational orientations, as do the tube sections 840.

It is noted that the principles described herein in connection with afilter cartridge having a cap with separator tube clean air inletsections thereon can be applied in arrangements with pinch seal membersor seal arrangements, different from those described. For example, itcan be used: with or without the projection/recess contour in theperimeter; with or without the projection/recess contour in the pinchseal surface; and, can be applied in some arrangements in which thehousing seal arrangement is not a pinch seal at all, but rather is aradial seal of a type referenced above. It is also noted that thefeatures can be used with the alternate media types generally describedherein above. Further, the principles can be applied in the absence of asafety filter cartridge if desired.

In addition, the arrangements of FIGS. 38-41 are depicted using theanti-deformation or anti-roll feature resulting from the end core or endpiece (for example, 832, FIG. 39A) having the perimeter projection alongan end with recesses to stabilize portions of the seal arrangementcomprising projections mounted thereon. The features of the end caphaving the inlet tube can be implemented in arrangements that do nothave this anti-deformation feature if desired.

VI. Some Additional Variations; General Comments

In general terms, filter cartridges according to an optional, preferred,application of the principles of the present disclosure include axialpinch seal arrangements that have portions that could potentially besubject to deformation toward or away from a media pack in use, but forfeatures provided. In an example depicted, the housing seal arrangementis an axial pinch seal and the axial pinch seal includes a downstreamhousing seal surface that has contours in it; and, a preform is providedextending into the seal arrangement (in an example across a recessbetween a portion of the seal arrangement and the media pack) to providestabilization against such roll or deformation. A variety ofalternatives and general characteristics are described.

In an example described, the structure that extends across the recess isnot fully embedded in the seal material, but rather forms a surface ofthe recess section at an end thereof. Also it is typically contoured atthis location, to facilitate operation. Both are preferred, but notspecifically required in all applications of techniques describedherein.

The above features are depicted in connection with media packs that cancomprise variations in outer shape, for example, oval or circular.Alternate media types are described.

In certain example arrangements characterized herein, a portion of aprecleaner is secured to (i.e. integrated with) the cartridge, to engageanother portion in an access cover. The portion of the precleanersecured to the cartridge can be an end cap having separator tubesections thereon, oriented for engagement with separator sections in anair cleaner access cover, to facilitate formation of separator tubes ina preferred manner.

A variety of housing features are characterized. These include featuresthat accommodate the deformation inhibition arrangement, as well as somefeatures for selected and preferred precleaner configuration andoperation.

Methods of construction, assembly and use are characterized.

There is specifically no requirement that an assembly, component orfeature include all of the example features characterized herein above,in order to obtain some advantage in accord with the present disclosure.

What is claimed:
 1. An air filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filtermedia pack comprising first and second, opposite, flow ends with mediaextending therebetween; (i) the media being closed to flow of air,passing into the first flow end, from exiting the second flow endwithout filtering flow through the media; (b) a pinch seal arrangementhaving an axial pinch seal with: an outer peripheral surface; and, afirst pinch seal housing engagement surface; (i) the first pinch sealhousing engagement surface being a contoured axial pinch seal surfacewith at least a first housing engagement projection thereon; (ii) thefirst housing engagement projection including a first pinch sealprojection extending further toward the second flow end than portions ofthe contoured axial pinch seal surface at immediate, opposite,peripheral, sides of the first housing engagement projection; and, (c) afirst preform having an outwardly projecting first preform flangehaving: (i) a first seal contour projection stabilizing portion at alocation in perimeter alignment with a portion of the pinch sealarrangement including the first housing engagement projection; (ii) thefirst seal contour projection stabilizing portion being positioned,axially, with a portion thereon closer to the second flow end thanportions of the preform flange located at immediate, opposite,peripheral, sides of the first seal contour projection stabilizingportion.
 2. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 including: (a)a receiver recess positioned between a portion of the pinch sealarrangement and the media pack.
 3. An air filter cartridge according toclaim 2 wherein: (a) the first preform flange traverses the receiverrecess.
 4. An air filter cartridge according to claim 2 wherein: (a) thereceiver recess includes an axially directed contoured end surfacefacing toward the second flow end.
 5. An air filter cartridge accordingto claim 4 wherein: (a) the axially directed contoured end surfaceincludes a first projection section in perimeter alignment with thefirst housing engagement projection.
 6. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 including: (a) a sidewall section of a firstpreform surrounding a side of the media pack in extension from the pinchseal arrangement to the second flow end.
 7. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 6 wherein: (a) the first preform, having the sidewallsection thereon, includes a grid work arrangement thereon extendingacross the second flow end of the media pack.
 8. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 6 wherein: (a) the first preform has an outwardlyprojecting first preform flange having at least a first peripheral resinflow recess embedded in the pinch seal arrangement.
 9. An air filtercartridge according to claim 8 wherein: (a) the first peripheral resinrecess in the preform flange has a narrow peripheral neck and a wideinternal resin receiver.
 10. An air filter cartridge according to claim8 wherein: (a) the first preform has an outwardly projecting firstpreform flange having a first plurality of peripheral resin recessesembedded in the pinch seal arrangement.
 11. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 10 wherein: (a) each of the first plurality ofperipheral resin recesses each includes a narrow peripheral neck and awide internal resin receiver.
 12. An air filter cartridge according toclaim 1 including: (a) a second preform having a portion surrounding themedia pack adjacent the first flow end and embedded in the pinch sealarrangement.
 13. An air filter cartridge according to claim 12 wherein:(a) the second preform includes a handle thereon, in axial overlap withthe first flow end of the media pack.
 14. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the second preform includes aplurality of the spacer projections extending into the pinch sealarrangement to a location abutting the first preform.
 15. An air filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the second preform includesa grid work thereon extending across the first flow end of the mediapack.
 16. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 including: (a) aperipherally continuous receiver recess positioned between a portion ofthe pinch seal arrangement and the media pack.
 17. An air filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the media pack has an oval,cross-sectional, shape.
 18. A filter cartridge according to claim 17wherein: (a) the media pack has an oval cross-sectional shape with afirst and second, opposite, semi-circular ends; and, opposite first andsecond sides extending between the first and second semi-circular ends.19. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 including: (a) apreform sidewall, surrounding the media pack, having a perimeter shapethat differs from the perimeter shape of the media pack.
 20. An airfilter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the media pack has acircular, cross-sectional, shape.
 21. An air filter cartridge accordingto claim 1 wherein: (a) the pinch seal arrangement includes a portionmolded in contact with, and surrounding, the filter media pack.
 22. Anair cleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing including: a body; anaccess cover; an air flow inlet; and, an air flow outlet; (b) an airfilter cartridge in accord with claim 1, operably positioned in thehousing with the axial pinch seal biased against the body by the accesscover.
 23. An air filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media packcomprising first and second, opposite, flow ends with media extendingtherebetween; (i) the media being closed to flow of air, passing intothe first flow end, from entering the second flow end without filteringflow through the media; (b) a pinch seal arrangement having an axialpinch seal with: an outer peripheral surface; and, a first pinch sealhousing engagement surface; (i) the first pinch seal housing engagementsurface being a contoured axial pinch seal surface with at least a firsthousing engagement projection thereon; (ii) the first housing engagementprojection including a first pinch seal projection extending furthertoward the second flow end than portions of the contoured axial pinchseal surface at immediate, opposite, peripheral sides of the firsthousing engagement projection; and, (iii) the pinch seal arrangementdefining a receiver recess therein positioned between a portion of thepinch seal arrangement and the media pack; and, (c) a first preformhaving: (i) a first preform first projection section traversing thereceiver recess at a location spaced from perimeter alignment with thefirst housing engagement projection; and, (ii) a first projectioncontour stabilizing section positioned traversing the receiver recess ata location in perimeter alignment with the first housing engagementprojection; (A) the first projection contour stabilizing section of thepreform having at least a portion oriented closer to the second flow endof the media pack than the first preform first projection section. 24.An air filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second, opposite, flow ends with media extending therebetween;(i) the media being closed to flow of air, passing into the first flowend, from entering the second flow end without filtering flow throughthe media; (b) a pinch seal arrangement having an axial pinch seal with:an outer peripheral surface; and, a first pinch seal housing engagementsurface; (i) the first pinch seal housing engagement surface being acontoured axial pinch seal surface with at least a first housingengagement projection thereon; (ii) the first housing engagementprojection including a first pinch seal projection extending furthertoward the second flow end than portions of the contoured axial pinchseal surface at immediate, opposite, peripheral sides of the firsthousing engagement projection; and, (c) a receiver recess positionedbetween a portion of the pinch seal arrangement and the media pack; (i)the receiver recess including an axially directed contoured end surface,facing toward the second flow end, including a first projection sectionin perimeter alignment with the first housing engagement projection. 25.An air filter cartridge according to claim 24 including: (a) a firstpreform having an outwardly projecting preform flange surrounding themedia pack.
 26. An air filter cartridge according to claim 25 wherein:(a) the first preform flange includes a first seal contour projectionstabilizing portion at a location in perimeter alignment with a portionof the pinch seal arrangement including the first housing engagementprojection; (i) the first seal contour projection stabilizing portionbeing positioned, axially, with a portion thereon closer to the secondflow end than portions of the preform flange located at immediate,opposite, peripheral, sides of the first seal contour projectionstabilizing portion.